ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, U.S. — Mathew Dillon, Clif Bar senior director of agricultural policy and programs, will address the fourth annual Organic & Non-GMO Forum, Oct.  29-30 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

“Organic: At the center of Clif Bar’s vision,” will expand on the company’s Five Aspiration’s Business Model, which guides its day-to-day operations and long-term decisions. Through this focus on sustaining its Business, Brands, People, Communities and the Planet, the company, which has purchased nearly 900 million pounds of organic ingredients since 2003, has seen a 10-year compounded annual growth rate 17% and leads it category with a 31% market share.

“Clif Bar believes in the power of business to drive more than profits and the potential of food to do more than just feed us,” Dillion said. “We are guided by our five aspirations as we craft energy foods that have a positive impact on our health, our communities and the planet. For decades, organic has been at the center of that vision and we have worked to create long-term value for farmers through organic sourcing, research and investment funds.”

Joining Dillion as speakers at the forum will be several other industry experts, such as Tony Michaels, chief executive officer of Midwestern BioAg; Ken Dalliemer, president and chief operating officer of Clarkson Grain Co.; and Emma Weston, CEO of AgriDigital. Topics to be covered include fraud, pricing regulations, certifications, producers’ perspectives, investment in organic acres and much more.

There will also be a short course, “Understanding what you’re buying: A procurement manager’s guide,” which will provide an overview of the basic principles used in mechanical extrusion and expelling of raw materials into value-added food, feed and specialty ingredients.

More information is available at www.ongforum.com.