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About

The Wisconsin Organic Industry Community of Practice (COP) is a free state platform that unites organic farmers, ranchers, handlers, retailers, input suppliers, certifiers, researchers, educators, businesses, consumers, and advocates to strengthen Wisconsin’s leadership, market development and innovation in the organic sector.

Through a monthly virtual online meeting, participants collaborate, share knowledge, advance state and national policy, and coordinate activities and events to strengthen Wisconsin’s organic value chain, expand local market development, and grow the organic industry statewide.

Our Mutual Passion

USDA Organic Logo
Organic Food, Beverages, Fiber, Agricultural Inputs & Products

 

Wisconsin Organics Home page icon
Growing the Organic Industry in Wisconsin!

Community of Practice Mission

To unite organic farmers, ranchers, businesses, retailers, certifiers, researchers and educators, consumers, and advocates through monthly virtual meetings and other in-person events to collaborate, share knowledge, advance policy, and coordinate activities that strengthen Wisconsin’s leadership and grow the organic sector statewide.

What is a Community of Practice?

WISCONSIN Statewide COP copy-1

 A community of practice is a group of people who share a concern, passion, or interest in a topicand who deepen their knowledge and skills by interacting regularly as they work on that topic together.

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Who Should Join?

Accredited Certifying Agencies

Academia and Researchers

Agricultural Input Suppliers

Educators

Farmers Interested in Transitioning to Organic

Handlers and Manufacturers

Livestock and Poultry Farmers

Organic Consumers

Organic Farmers-Both Certified Organic Farmers & Practiving

Organic-Related Businesses

Organic Policy Advocates

Transitioning to Organic

Retailers

 

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GOAL 1
Strengthen & Scale-Up Wisconsin's Organic Industry

1.1 Build a strong statewide coalition representing all sectors of the organic supply chain.
1.2 Increase organic production acreage and the number of certified organic operations.
1.3 Expand the market share of Wisconsin-grown and -processed organic products within the state and neighboring regions.
1.4 Elevate Wisconsin’s visibility as a leader in organic innovation and supply chain collaboration.

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GOAL 2
Cultivate Statewide Networking & Advocacy

2.1 Establish a statewide forum for dialogue on organic policy, research priorities, and economic development.
2.2 Improve access to technical assistance, and funding opportunities across the organic
community.
2.3 Foster partnerships between organic producers, handlers, organic-friendly retailers, researchers and consumers.
2.4 Strengthen partnerships with national organic organizations.

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GOAL 3
Strengthen State Organic Market Access & Consumer Awareness

3.1 Increase Wisconsin consumer knowledge and demand for local organic food, beverages and products.
3.2 Promote and market to increase market access for Wisconsin organic farmers, businesses, processors, and brands
3.3 Strengthen cross-sector marketing collaborations among organic producers, handlers/processors, retailers and technical assistance.

 

Next Community of Practice Meeting: Monday September 15, 2026

Market Claims September 14 FINAL-1
ZOOM LINK Register

Community of Practice Meeting: Monday, October 5, 2026

Community of Practice Meeting: Monday, November 2, 2026

Community of Practice Meeting: Monday, December 7, 2026

Community of Practice Meeting: Monday, January 4, 2026

Past Community of Practice Meetings

COP June 1 2026
June 1, 2026
June 2026 Meeting-Wisconsin Statewide Organic Community of Practice
Quick Overview of Wisconsin Organic
Statewide Community of Practice goals
Wisconsin Statewide Organic COP monthly
meeting cadence
New member introductions
Presentation of National Organic
Standards Board Results from Omaha
Meeting-Brian Baker & Harriet Behar
Planned 'Eat Organic' Wisconsin Directory
-A Guide to Eating & Drinking Organic in
Wisconsin 2026
Planned Support Local Wisconsin Organic
Advent Calendar 
Announcement of Organic Events
Member updates
Watch on Youtube Now
COP May 4, 2026
May 4, 2026
May 2026 Wisconsin Statewide Organic Community of Practice Meeting

This Wisconsin Statewide Organic Community of Practice May 2026 Meeting:

Presented a tour of the Wisconsin Organics website; Gave an overview of the State of Wisconsin Market Development report 2026 being developed; Discussed the USDA local food promotion program being written;Highlights organic producers request for Wisconsin Organics to work on organic marketing and procurement for schools, military and organic distribution bottlenecks. 

Watch on Youtube Now
COP March 30, 2026
March 30, 2026
Introduction to the Wisconsin Statewide Organic Community of Practice

The first-ever kickoff Wisconsin Statewide Organic Community of Practice (CoP) call was on March 30, 2026— to connect, align, and build momentum for Wisconsin’s organic future.

In this session, we:

  • Introduce the mission and vision of the statewide Organic Community of Practice

  • Review draft goals and objectives for collective impact

  • Share Year 1 priority activities and opportunities to engage

  • Hear brief introductions and perspectives from participants across the organic sector

  • Discuss next steps and how you can stay involved 

Watch on Youtube Now