Thanks for Joining Us for the 5th Annual Trust Gathering

A Conversation with Daniella Velazquez de Leon

Trust Protector Committee member Kim Gibson Clark hosted a candid conversation with Daniella. They delve into what it was like for her growing up in the family business and initially pursuing a different career path. Daniella also shared how the organic community played a pivotal role in guiding her back to her roots. 

The conversation is nothing short of heartwarming and inspiring. She pays tribute to her mother, Mayra, recognizing her outstanding accomplishments. Daniella shares her first-hand wisdom on succeeding as a woman in the agricultural industry, offering valuable insights to young women like herself aspiring to break barriers. Moreover, she addresses the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community in an industry where 78% of farmers self-identify as Hispanic. 

In recent years, banana growers have faced some tough times. Daniella sheds light on the strategies they’ve employed to not only survive but thrive. From pooling resources and increasing efficiency to evaluating their operations, she explains the hurdles they face, especially with pricing that often falls below the cost of production. She also addresses the disconnect between what consumers say they want, and the true, fair price required to sustainably achieve it. 

Daniella Velazquez de Leon is more than just a banana supplier; she’s a purpose-focused leader growing the organic movement, showing that age, gender and background should never limit our potential to make a difference. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of social change.

Watch Kim’s conversation with Daniella, share it with your team and others in your network!

Organic Advocacy in Oregon:
Accomplishments & Lessons Learned

If you’re new to the organic community, we offer a short master class on the collaborative foundation of Oregon’s organic trade, led by none other than the dynamic-duo, Oregon Tilth Executive Director Chris Schreiner and OGC Co-founder and Pioneer Emeritus David Lively. They journey back 30+ years, sharing purposeful moments that sculpted the movement’s foundation like the Organic Builds a Better Oregon initiative, the creation of Oregon Organic Coalition in 2005 and Organically Grown in Organic Week. Learn how the stage was set and how working together as a sector is having a powerful and lasting impact today.

Watch their video below.

2024 Trust Protector Committee Election 

The TPC election will be this October! Note that you must be a Qualified Stakeholder to vote in TPC elections – click this link to learn more. 

Incumbent Natalie Reitman-White has decided to run for reelection. The SFAPPT Nominations Committee is seeking additional nominees for the election. Please send an email by June 15th to trust@organicgrown.com to nominate yourself or someone else for the TPC.

Learn about the current members of the TPC here and read the job description here.