Our Leaders

Bob is the Senior Trade Advisor of the Organic Trade Association. He has more than 35 years of hands-on experience in all facets of organic agriculture, organic food production, processing, marketing and retailing, as well as leadership experience in the development of national organic policy, standards and organic certification. 

He serves the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture as an advisor for organic agriculture and international trade, and he served as the chairman of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). Anderson is a former director and past president of the Organic Trade Association. During the comment periods for the proposed national organic rules, he was the primary spokesperson for the NOSB and the organic industry. 

Anderson is currently a strategic advisor to organic agricultural initiatives and organic industry projects, as well as the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service and U.S. Department of State. 

Until 2000, he was president of Walnut Acres Organic Farms, one of the most respected founding organic foods businesses in the United States.

Chris is a lifelong organic foods activist passionate about food and organic agriculture. This passion began at a young age, shaped by growing up around Walnut Acres—one of America’s original organic farms—which played a key role in influencing U.S. agricultural policy and national organic standards.

Chris currently serves as President of Sustainable Strategies and Senior Trade Advisor for the Organic Trade Association. He advises governments and corporations on navigating global organic standards and expanding international trade opportunities. His work has contributed to gap analyses and strategic planning for U.S. organic equivalency agreements, including those with the European Union and Canada.

He is an active industry leader and speaker, with appearances at events such as Natural Products Expo, Biofach, and Gulfood. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at PCO (Pennsylvania Certified Organic) where Walnut Acres was first certified.

Outside of his professional work, Chris is engaged in philanthropy through the Walnut Acres Foundation, which focuses on food security, education, and preserving the legacy of organic agriculture. He and his family also share a passion for global travel and culinary exploration.