Meet the organic experts

 A long-time organic pioneer, Bob Anderson is experienced in all facets of organic agriculture, organic food production, processing, business development, marketing, and retailing, as well as leadership experience in the development of national organic policy, organic standards, organic certification, and animal welfare certification and standards. 

Bob is the founder of SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES LLC - Advisors in Food and Agriculture and currently is a strategic advisor to organic agricultural initiatives and organic industry projects in the U.S. and globally. 

Bob is the Senior Trade Advisor to the Organic Trade Association, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service & National Organic Program, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative. In 2017, The Organic Trade Association recognized Bob’s years as an organic pioneer and changemaker when he was presented the prestigious Growing the Organic Industry Leadership Award

Until 1999, he was an owner, President, and CEO  of Walnut Acres Organic Farms, one of the founding and first vertically integrated organic foods businesses in the United States. 

Chris Anderson is a lifelong organic foods activist passionate about food and organic agriculture. This passion began at a young age as he and his family sat around the dinner table discussing the daily challenges of operating America’s original organic farm, Walnut Acres. The business grew rapidly from a small family farm into a nationwide iconic organic food brand, ultimately influencing US policy and national organic standards.

Chris’ work in the organic industry continues today as the President of Sustainable Strategies and Senior Trade Advisor for the Organic Trade Association. He routinely advises world governments and corporations on navigating global organic standards to expand international trade opportunities. 

He has participated in the GAP analysis and strategic planning for each of the current US organic equivalency agreements, including those with the EU and Canada, and ongoing work with Chile, Mexico, and India. 

Chris has represented the organic industry through numerous speaking engagements, including at Natural Products Expo, Biofach, and Gulfood.