Laura Batcha has been named CEO and executive director of the Organic Trade Association, a North American membership-based trade association representing the organic food industry. Its members range from farmers and ranchers to handlers to manufacturers and retailers.

Batcha most recently served as OTA’s executive vice president and interim co-executive director, according to a news release. She is chair of OTA’s political action committee and has served on two federal advisory committees, one that advises on issues related to biotechnology and organic and identity-preserved agriculture and the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, which is dedicated to international trade.

In her new capacity, she will serve on the board of the Organic Center, an independent, nonprofit research and education organization operating under the administration of OTA.

Batcha joined OTA six years ago as marketing and public relations director. She brings 20 years of experience as a certified organic producer and handler and more than 10 years’ experience in the private sector of the organic industry.
OTA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices and staff in Vermont, California, and Oregon.