OTA's Mission:

OTA's Core Values

• have established organic trade on a foundation of common organic standards.
• work in harmony with the environment, promoting sustainability.
• recognize the need for organic agriculture to be economically viable.
• work to protect the diversity of life.
• recognize the interdependence of all parts of the organic community.
• understand that organic farms are the foundation of the organic industry.
• seek out and use whole system approaches to agricultural and business practices.
• support the human right to knowledge and choice in the marketplace.

Code of Ethics

1. Responsibility to our Industry
   We are committed to the continued growth of the organic industry.
   • Through cooperation within and outside of the association, we seek to establish credibility for the organic industry.
   • When we produce products labeled as organic, we will obtain organic certification for those products.
   • We will develop the market for certified organic goods.

   We work to promote sustainable organic agricultural systems through:

   • Stewardship of natural resources.
   • Development, maintenance and promotion of healthy agricultural soil and biologically sound, ecologically safe and agronomically responsible methods of plant and animal care.

2. Responsibility to our Customers
   We are committed to conducting all of our dealings with customers with integrity, in a respectful and honest way.
   • We will ensure that all of our products are labeled truthfully and accurately.
   • We will use accurate statements and claims in marketing our products and/or services.

3. Responsibility to our People
   We are committed to promoting and upholding the highest standards of respect and fairness for our employees and coworkers.
   • We uphold local, regional and national laws and regulations.
   • We encourage the growth of the people in our organizations, providing them with appropriate educational opportunities and promoting them when feasible.

4. Responsibility to our Association
   We support and actively commit to maintaining the integrity of organic agricultural production.
   • As part of this commitment, we uphold the Organic Trade Association's American Organic Standards.
   • We not only adhere to the ethical standards of the OTA, but also to the specific ethics standards of any sector council or committee of which we may be a part.

   As members of the Organic Trade Association, we recognize the value and importance of acting ethically.

   • As part of our commitment to building and maintaining the ethical status of the organization, we understand that we are expected to report allegations of ethical misconduct to the Executive Director and that, as part of our commitment to building a strong ethical culture, we agree to assist in any investigation of ethical misconduct.
   • We promote the positive resolution of disputes through mediation and informal reconciliation procedures as a first step in any consideration of allegations of unethical activity.
   • Furthermore we indicate our awareness, understanding and support of this code by annually returning the appropriately endorsed form, which accompanies this code. Should we have any questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding the Code, we understand these should be addressed to the Chair of the Ethics Committee, in care of the Executive Director.