The OGC is an industry effort stewarded by The Organic Trade Association and the Sustainable Food Lab. The collaboration is led by organic food companies with representatives from across the supply chain that have identified the need for collaborative action to address key challenges in expanding the supply of organic grain in the United States.

Erin Heitkamp, managing director of strategy, sustainability and assurance for Pipeline Foods

“At Pipeline Foods, we are focused on developing sustainable supply chains in agriculture to increase the availability of organic and non-GMO grains in the U.S.,” said Erin Heitkamp, managing director of strategy, sustainability and assurance for Pipeline Foods. “This type of collaboration is needed to increase the size and efficiency of regional organic grain supply chains. We believe we can play a unique role in the Organic Grain Collaboration because of our farmer relationships, investment in infrastructure and commitment to supply chain transparency and traceability.”

The OGC has set out to achieve its goals by increasing sector knowledge on approaches to improve productivity and profitability of the organic farmer, and by reducing the barriers to entry for new organic and transitional farmers.

Pipeline Foods has invested in one organic grain elevator in northern North Dakota and is building a grain terminal in Bowbells, North Dakota, U.S.