The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association that focuses on the organic business community in North America. OTA's mission is to promote ethical consumerism by promoting and protecting the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy. OTA is a member of IFOAM – Organics International[1] and The International Working Group on the Global Organic Textile Standard.[2]
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) was formed by the consolidation of the Organic Foods Production Association of North America (OFPANA) and the Organic Food Alliance (OFA). The original goals of the organization included creating uniform standards for organic production and handling, establishing an accreditation program for organic certification bodies, and promoting organic food in the marketplace.
Creating a definition required synergy between science and consumer behaviors. As well as a cross-examination of previous definitions that would form a baseline.[3]