Portland Produce Advocate Earned National Organic Award
Mike Dill of Organically Grown Company received a national honor for his leadership in the organic sector.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
Mike Dill, who leads advocacy and sustainability at the Portland-based Organically Grown Company, has been recognized with the Organic Trailblazer Award. The honor follows his selection for a three-year term on the board of the Organic Trade Association.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the influence of local agricultural leaders on national policy and sustainable supply chains. It serves as a reminder of Portland's role in the broader movement toward organic produce distribution.
Mike Dill begins a three-year term on the national trade board, marking his ongoing commitment to the industry. The total number of award recipients in this category remains limited to those forging new paths in the organic segment.
The players
Mike Dill
He is the director of advocacy and sustainability for Organically Grown Company and serves on the Oregon State Board of Agriculture.
Organic Trade Association
This is a national trade group that represents the organic industry and presented the award during Organic Week.
Organically Grown Company
This Portland-based wholesale distributor specializes in organic produce.
Oregon State Board of Agriculture
This state body oversees agricultural policy and practices in Oregon.
The details
The Organic Trade Association presented the Organic Trailblazer Award to Mike Dill for his efforts in creating meaningful impact within the organic market. In addition to his work at Organically Grown Company, Dill contributes to state-level agricultural policy through his seat on the Oregon State Board of Agriculture. This award recognizes individuals for their initiative in advancing organic production and advocacy.
Timeline
The award was announced during Organic Week in mid-September 2026.
Beyond the Bridges
The award recognizes advocacy that extends beyond the regulatory baseline established by the National Organic Program standards. This honor places local Portland initiatives into a national context of industry-wide sustainability efforts.
Local residents who rely on Organically Grown Company for their produce will see the same distribution channels continue under Dill's ongoing leadership. The appointment ensures that regional agricultural priorities maintain a seat at the national table for the next three years.
The takeaway
This award underscores the significance of Portland's influence on the organic produce supply chain. Keep an eye on how state-level agricultural priorities shift as local leaders integrate their work with national boards like the Organic Trade Association.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry by visiting our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Capital Press.
