As of September 1, 2012, The Organic Center combined efforts with the Organic Trade Association (OTA). Although The Center will remain an independent non-profit 501(c) (3), they have relocated their headquarters from Boulder, CO, to Washington, D.C.
According to Mark Retzloff, Board Chair for The Organic Center, "The Center will continue to conduct credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming, and communicate those benefits to the public. By combining efforts under one administrative umbrella, we will gain overhead efficiencies and improve access to government and foundation grants. Our enhanced collaboration with allied groups in D.C. will stimulate greater research and increased information to the public to convince them of the benefits of organic."
Matt McLean, President of OTA's Board of Directors, points out, "OTA and The Organic Center have worked separately but cooperatively over the years to fulfill their respective yet related missions. By moving the Organic Center to D.C., it gains the same access to OTA's established resources. This endeavor will directly benefit the organic industry."
There will be some administrative changes during this process. First of all, The Organic Center will be governed by an interim board made up of five OTA Board members and four Board members from The Organic Center. Christine Bushway, OTA's current Executive Director, will be assuming leadership responsibilities for The Center and the organization is looking for a brand new Director of Science Programs to coordinate ongoing organic research initiatives.
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