Ft. Lauderdale, FL—Representatives from the natural products supply chain gathered from January 20–22 for the 11th annual Organic & Natural Health Association (Organic & Natural Health) conference, an event that celebrated the industry while offering an opportunity for honest dialogue regarding modernized policy, credible science, and the role of independent retailers in consumer education and trust. This year’s event delivered a clear message: The future of natural health depends on independent retailers, credible science and modernized policy grounded in transparency and consumer protection.
Delivering a message
The 2026 program counted on the participation of several key science, policy, and business figures, including Stephen Van Vliet, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Nutrition Science at Utah State University. Dr. Van Vliet discussed research on how agricultural inputs can measurably influence nutrient density in animal-based foods, with implications for public health policy.
Primary architect of the “Make Texans Healthy Again” initiative, Travis McCormick, and representatives from the My Health Alliance, outlined political objectives for 2026, which attendees used to workshop potential outcomes with artificial intelligence (AI).
Presenter Todd Harrison, a founding board member at Organic & Natural Health and partner at Venable, made a case for a strong, next-generation reset of dietary supplement and cosmeceutical health regulation. His position shed light on how incremental updates to a decades-old framework has not kept pace with today’s global, digital marketplace and advances in nutritional and biosciences.
Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, presented on challenges related to international trade and supply chains, and a panel discussion examined the impact on product quality, cost, and sourcing.
Rounding out the event’s speaking engagements were:
- The latest consumer trend data presented by Informa market research analyst Erika Craft.
- A Consumer Packaged Goods Council discussion on transparency, efficacy, and the priorities shaping today’s natural health consumers which included opinions from Organic & Natural Health scientific advisory member Dr. Dana Cohan, Brian Terry of Nordic Naturals, Stephanie Redmond, Pharm.D, founder of Dr. Stephanie’s, and Michael T. Murray, naturopathic doctor and chief scientific advisor at iHerb.
WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and Chief Business Officer Heather Wainer (winner of the event’s 2024 champion award) attended the summit, sharing, “The conference kicked off with incredible energy, starting with Western African dancing that set the tone for the days ahead. The presentations spanned everything from policy and store-level issues to consumer perspectives, along with a lively discussion on reinventing DSHEA, AI, tariffs, and more. The networking and connections were outstanding. I met new faces and reconnected with longtime friends. It was also an honor to be with Champion Award winner Debra Short. It is always a privilege to be part of this conference.”
Just getting started
Organic & Natural Health will continue spreading its message of “United States of Health: Building Bridges to Opportunity” throughout the year with salon dinners, a year-round series of intimate, strategy-driven roundtables that unite leaders from business, policy, and science. CEO and Executive Director of Organic & Natural Health, Karen Howard, spoke on the importance of the annual gathering and upcoming engagements: “In a time of disruption and uncertainty, the industry’s strength comes from collaboration and shared purpose. This conference brought together the right voices to protect consumers, empower retailers, and advance policies that support a resilient future for natural health.”
For more on the event and to get involved with the organization, visit OrganicandNatural.org.
