Jessica Walden, Senior Reviewer and Policy Specialist, has joined the Board of Directors for the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA). The ACA’s Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of the organization activities and staff, approval of the organization's annual budget and communication with the National Organic Program regarding relevant issues. Jessica brings to ACA’s board decades of experience in organic certification and regulation, including work with crop, livestock and handling operations, and experience reviewing complex materials used on farms and in processing facilities.

Alexis Randolph, Senior Technical Manager, has been appointed to the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC). The committee advises the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on administration of the California Organic Program, which enforces national organic standards in California. Committee members represent organic stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, consumers and accredited certifying agencies. Having spent nearly 20 years working on organic certification in California, Alexis is thrilled to be part of COPAC which under the California Organic Food and Farming Act may advise the Secretary on outreach, education and technical assistance for organic producers.