Organically Grown Company on a Mission
Promoting health through organic agriculture as a leading sustainable organization.
Marlene’s Market & Deli has been proud to partner with Organically Grown Company (OGC) for many years to bring fantastic, local and organically grown global produce to our shelves. Recently we got a chance to catch up with them about their work, their mission and what is on the horizon!
Marlene’s: In 2018, OGC transitioned into a purpose trust ownership structure. Would you tell us more about that?
OGC: For the past 41 years, we have been an industry leader, promoting health through organic agriculture and corporate responsibility through sustainable business practices. We have had five ownership structures in four decades continually evolving to the ever-changing needs of a growing organization. The Trust was formed to hold the ownership of OGC accountable and to support its efforts to advance sustainable agriculture and food systems.
While the governance may be new to OGC, the soul behind our structure has been in place since the beginning. Our new governance supports our commitment to remaining an independent organization, creates financial viability and resilience for the business as a vehicle for change, rewards active contributors and strengthens connections to our stakeholder groups, creating a true co-ownership culture.
OGC Stakeholders include:
• Suppliers that are actively working with OGC
• Current OGC Coworkers
• Active Purchasers and Customers of OGC
• Mission-Aligned Community Partners
• Active Investors
Stakeholders who go through the qualification process have rights and responsibilities which promote shared governance and engagement. Qualified Stakeholders of the Trust can recommend candidates for the Trust Protector Committee, and vote on the final candidate slate annually. In addition, they receive an annual Trust Purpose Report and have the ability to file a grievance if they believe there is a breach of the Trust Agreement.
M: We know OGC maintains very high ethical trade and environmental responsibility standards locally, but also with your global partners. How does this translate into your daily operation and those you choose to work with?
OGC: We have a saying ‘In produce, everything is based on relationships.’ We have always prioritized really knowing our growers, their workers, families and growing practices as much as what they grow. We honor transparency in the supply chain, hosting customer and coworker farm tours to visit growers of all sizes throughout the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. In 2018, over 4% of the products we distributed were Fair Trade Certified. Through retailer-supported sales of GROW bananas, we have contributed over $1.5M to the program since 2005.
M: We love that as an organization, OGC is practicing “beyond organic.” What does that mean to you and how is it making an impact on the world?
OGC: For us, “beyond organic” means supporting everything beyond the baseline of organic certification. That includes on-farm infrastructure support, packing small fruit for regional growers struggling to secure line time, succession planning for growers and industry pioneers, logistics support and broad policy work and activism. We embrace the organic trade with a full-systems approach.
M: What should we look for in the produce department this month?
OGC: Citrus! So much juicy, tangy and delicious citrus! With winter weather upon us, now is a great time to stock up on your favorite vitamin-packed bites of sunshine. We work with lots of wonderful growers in the Golden State and beyond to keep you stocked with all of your favorites like navels, satsumas, blood oranges and grapefruit. We also have a great partnership with Deer Creek Heights Ranch from whom we source some of your soon-to-be new favorites such as Yuzu and variegated pink lemons, makrut and finger limes, Cara Cara and Lou Lou navels, tangerines, clementines, kumquats and mandarinquats – the list just goes on!






