PCC’s Mike Wenrick joins National Organic Coalition board
Mike Wenrick, PCC’s Director of Purpose, has joined the board of the National Organic Coalition (NOC).
Established in 2003, the year after national organic standards were put into place, the national alliance focuses on advocacy work needed to advance organic food and agriculture and keep the national program strong. It seeks to provide a voice in Washington, D.C., for “farmers, ranchers, organic businesses, retailers, certifiers, environmentalists, consumers, and others who care about organic agriculture.” For instance, it recently delved into the impact of a current stall in organic research funding and pushed back on proposed organizational changes to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that could threaten the organic program. At a National Organic Coalition (NOC) Fly-In to Washington, D.C. last year, Wenrick joined Sam Lucy of Bluebird Grain Farms in the Methow Valley to meet with congressional offices to advocate for organic policy and rural resilience.
At PCC, Wenrick helps guide the co-op’s social, environmental, and economic sustainability work. His career path has included serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, public health work across Latin America, leading Zenger Farm in Portland, running a winery, strengthening food systems networks, and advocating for organic and regenerative agriculture, including leading a PCC symposium on the future of regenerative agriculture.
“We’re grateful for the expertise and passion Mike brings to NOC — and we’re equally grateful to count PCC Community Markets as a member. PCC’s leadership in protecting organic integrity and supporting the growth of organic is an inspiration,” said an organization press release.
Wenrick said it was an honor “to contribute to an organization with a super talented staff and board who champion organic integrity and amplify the voices of farmers, consumers, and advocates dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture. I look forward to working alongside passionate leaders to help strengthen policies that protect organic standards and promote a healthier, more resilient food system for all.”
See more about NOC’s work and sign up for the alliance’s email updates here.