Greenfield, Massachusetts
January 11, 2008
The
Organic Trade Association (OTA) today announced the launch
of the Organic Agriculture and Products Education Institute
(OAPEI) and the receipt of the first donation to support its
work.
"OTA is excited to have helped to establish this new 501(c) 3
venture, and gratified that a founding donor has stepped forward
to help begin its work," said Caren Wilcox, OTA's Executive
Director and President of the Organic Agriculture and Products
Education Institute.
OAPEI's mission is to educate agriculturists, processors,
consumers, students, academics, and other professionals about
the attributes and benefits of organic agriculture and products.
It will make efforts to reach special and diverse communities as
they learn about organic agriculture and the products that fill
this fast growing segment of food, fiber and personal care
products.
"It is the Institute's intention to implement specific, targeted
educational activities that will expand the knowledge base about
organic agriculture and certified organic products, and to
promote information resources to enhance the amount of farmland
under organic management and the integrity of the organic supply
chain. This will ultimately improve the quality of life for all
of the earth's inhabitants, now and for further generations,"
Wilcox said.
To show their support for the new institute, Bruce and Alissa
Nierenberg of New York City became the first donors by giving a
generous founding donation.
"We have chosen this organization to give money to because we
believe it will be used to help educate consumers, and others,
to take organic to a new level. Outreach to educate consumers
will drive and grow the market for organic farmers and organic
businesses of all sorts," said Bruce Nierenberg. He cited his
affiliation with OTA as leading to this donation.
"OTA has enabled the industry to grow, which has enabled me and
my companies to thrive. As a result, I wanted to give back in
this way," Nierenberg said. A proponent of organic agriculture
and products for many years, he can trace involvement with
organic businesses back to selling brownies made with organic
ingredients door-to-door in New York City as a 15-year old.
"Just think how big the marketplace for organic would be if we
had had more educational outreach over these years. I am very
excited that this new institute will provide a platform to
educate consumers and others," he said.
For more information about OAPEI or information about making a
charitable donation to the new institute, contact
info@organicinstitute.net. OAPEI is developing a new web
site that will more fully explain its goals and projects. |
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