President's Message

ISO² President's Message Spring 2023

Dear ISO ² Members,

I would like to begin by wishing all of our members, member families, staff, suppliers, processors, distributors, and friends a happy and healthy remainder of 2023.

I would also like to thank our incredible members throughout the world for their continuous feedback as they confront both general worldwide challenges, including political instability, supply chain disruptions, acute-on-chronic labor shortages and inflationary pressures not seen in years, as well as specific regional challenges relating to growing, harvesting, processing, and distributing.

These challenges are affecting the livelihood of many of our members, and have contributed to an increase in food insecurity internationally on a scale not seen in years. The situation in Ukraine, the "breadbasket of the world", has been a disaster for our Ukrainian members, and the effects of this conflict have exacerbated food insecurity both within Ukraine and elsewhere as a result.

As we move forward in 2023, we will continue to work with our members to address these challenges using an innovative, thoughtful, and timely approach.

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that after six years (three terms) as the ISO2 President, I will be stepping down from this position. It has been an incredible honor to work alongside such a wonderful group of people both domestically and internationally. Thank you all for the incredible support you have shown me over the last six years, I am truly humbled to be associated with such a fine group of people.

I am also quite proud to announce that I will be succeeded by David Alan. Those of you who know David know him as an empathetic and sympathetic listener and strong advocate for both organic orcharding and organic farming in general. Please join me in welcoming him as our new president.

Respectfully,

Robert Baucom

President