Organic is the Answer: Organically Grown Company’s CEO Brenna Davis talks about the upcoming conference, the magic of the forest, and staying centered in trying times.
Next week marks the 9th iteration of Organicology, a biennial event bringing together contributors, advocates and change-makers from across the organic food trade for the purpose of revolutionizing food, agriculture and economic models for the better.
From its humble beginnings as a meetup for the farmers, distributors, retailers and processors who make up our region’s organic agriculture community, Organicology has evolved into a 3-day celebration featuring inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops and hands-on activities like farm tours and cooking demonstrations. The event attracts a diverse group of educators, policymakers, researchers, and consumers from around the world who are passionate about organic practices and sustainable food systems.
Workshop and keynote topics have expanded from organic farming techniques into areas like regenerative agriculture, climate change mitigation, food justice, supply chain transparency, and policy advocacy. Recognizing the interconnectedness of organic agriculture with social issues, Organicology has placed greater emphasis on equity, inclusion, and justice within the food system, including discussions on labor rights, access to land, and supporting underrepresented communities in agriculture.
In anticipation of next week’s event, I took a few minutes to connect with Brenna Davis, the CEO of Portland-based Organically Grown Company, and a keynote speaker for Organicology 2025. She shared her perspectives on the importance of organic food, talked about how she’s managing as a leader and a human during the current political upheaval and expounded on her profound love for the forest.
PV: It’s cool and gratifying to see that Organicology has become such an expansive, world-class event since its founding. I think it speaks to a growing global commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture, and I am here for it! There has to be a lot of excitement and anticipation on your side as the team prepares for next week’s event. Is there a particular theme or trend at this conference that you find especially relevant or important?
BD: Our Program Committee is made up of some of the most impactful thought leaders in the organic agricultural movement, and they chose this year’s theme to be ‘Organic is the Answer’ to highlight the many benefits that organic has to offer. Peer-reviewed research shows that organic food is better for you, better for people and better for the planet. We will be celebrating that, but also focused on what we can do better. And it wouldn’t be Organicology without having a lot of fun together, too.
PV: I’m guessing at least some of the fun you’re referring to has to do with the Thursday night Karaoke from Hell Afterparty with DJ Gregarious! I love this and feel it’s important for people to relax and enjoy ourselves when we can, especially now. It’s no secret that there are some pretty intense and frightening things taking place in the world at the moment, and many of us are struggling to balance our desire to be informed with our need to protect our peace and sanity. As a human and a leader in an industry likely to be impacted by the recent slashing of government funding and environmental protections, what are some things that are helping you to stay well and focused during these times?
BD: Organically Grown Company was one of the first perpetual purpose trust-owned companies in the country, which means we are laser-focused on sustainable and organic food. Every day, it’s an honor to show up to work with people who are making the world a better place. We are staying steady and keeping our focus on that good work. Personally, I am grounded in my moral compass, which is focused on building a better world for everyone. That will never shift. Like Dr. Martin Luther King said, “the time is always right to do what is right.”
PV: Amen to that.
Rumor has it that you have a special affinity for the forest and its inhabitants, the real, the mythical and the magical. Any backstory or fun little anecdote you might like to share around this?
BD: It’s true! I love the forest. I love mushroom hunting. My favorite part is walking through the forest and seeing the dappled light that filters down through the trees. I love the smell of the forest. It is a diverse ecosystem, it captures carbon, is always changing, and you can feel it is alive.
When I was a kid, developers cut down the forest across the street from my grandparents’ house and it broke my heart because I knew every tree. It spurred my commitment to figure out how to move the business world to something more sustainable. Over the course of my career, I have been a sustainable business leader in seven different industries, with both multi-national and local companies, and now most recently with (Portland-based) Organically Grown Company. You might say that in some ways the forest led me here.
Organicology takes place March 12th-14th at Revolution Hall in Portland. You can learn more here.
