The Organic Produce Summit (OPS) closed its 10th anniversary event July 16 at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California, drawing nearly 200 exhibitors and more than 750 attendees and buyers.
Buyers made up 40 percent of attendees and traveled from more than 40 U.S. states and 12 countries to attend the event, said to be the only one dedicated exclusively to the organic fresh produce industry. The 2026 program featured expanded education sessions, new networking events and the largest exhibitor lineup in the show’s history.
“The energy and engagement we witnessed at OPS 2026 reinforces the vital role this event plays in bringing our industry together,” said Keigan Roos, OPS event manager. “Seeing growers connect directly with retail buyers during our field tours, watching meaningful partnerships form during the networking events and observing the packed aisles of our expanded expo floor throughout all three days, this year’s 10th anniversary celebration demonstrated the strength and resilience of the organic produce community.”
Education and field tours
Keynote sessions included chef Dan Barber of Row 7 Seeds on flavor-forward breeding in organic agriculture, along with a panel on retail and distribution strategies featuring leaders from Military Produce Group, Happy Dirt, Organic Options Consulting, Misfits Market and Veritable Vegetable. Additional sessions covered data-driven decision-making and worker well-being.
Registered retail buyers toured organic operations run by Driscoll’s, Earthbound Farm and Nature Fresh Farms, walking the fields and speaking directly with growers about production and sustainability practices.
New networking events
OPS added several networking opportunities this year, including the inaugural Cultivating Connections women’s networking event July 14, which featured a keynote by Brenna Davis, CEO at Organically Grown Company, and a panel with executives from Driscoll’s, Creekside Organics/Fruit World and Kauai Living Foods. The event also launched a golf tournament and reworked its Organic Roots Cocktail Reception to help newcomers connect with established buyers.
Partner events, including the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) Roots & Vines Foundation gathering, offered additional opportunities for focused engagement around shared industry priorities, OPS said.
To mark the anniversary, OPS recognized nearly 40 companies that have exhibited since the inaugural 2016 event, along with more than 150 that have joined since.
The Organic Produce Summit will return to Monterey July 20-22, 2027. Founded in 2016, OPS is part of New Hope Network, which also sponsors Natural Products Expo and Natural Products Expo West.