Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

The Advisory Council was established in response to recommendations by the 2004 Governor's Task Force on Organic Agriculture. The group first met in February 2006. A cooperati​ng Interagency Team composed of representatives of major state and federal agriculture agencies meets with the Council.

Mission Statement

The Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council brings together public and private resources to promote Wisconsin’s national leadership position in Organic Agriculture. By advising the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and other organizations and agencies on critical organic issues, the council supports organic production, processing, and purchasing opportunities for Wisconsin farmers, processors, and consumers.

Purpose

The purpose of the Council is to provide guidance to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Governor, the Legislature, and other state agencies on actions that can be taken to further the Wisconsin organic industry. Member terms are on a three-year rotating basis, with four members going off each year. The Council conducts its business via quarterly all-day meetings.

Structure

The Council consists of 13 people representing the spectrum of organic production, processing, and marketing in Wisconsin, including:

• Three certified organic farmers, preferably reflecting several types of farms (dairy, vegetable, etc.).
• Three organic business sector representatives.
• One representative of organic consumers.
• One representative of a private, non-profit educational organization involved in organic agriculture.
• One representative of the certification industry.
• Three at-large members. 
  
• One DATCP representative.​
  

​2022 Organic Advisory Council Members

​The 13 Council members serve three-year terms with four terms expiring each year. The nomination period takes place in early winter/spring each year, with selections announced in May or June.

Advisory Council Activities

The Advisory Council and Interagency Team meets three to four times annually. It supports growth in the organic sector through Organic Advisory Council sponsored projects, representing organic agriculture on a number of agency committees, developing written recommendations and letters of support, and providing advice and recommendations to agencies and organizations.

Overall Organic Advisory Council Priorities

Organic Advisory Council Priorities List adopted January, 2017.

Council Priorities