About Us

Gwendolyn has worked in organic certification and policy for over 28 years. Prior to SOS, Wyard served for more than a dozen years as the Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the Organic Trade Association (OTA) where she worked on the development of policy strategy through regulatory engagement in the interest of OTA's mission and its members. While at the trade association, Wyard was the lead developer and author of the association’s Organic Fraud Prevention Guide, now the industry standard reference for excellence in achieving integrity across complex organic global supply chains. In her early career, Wyard was an organic farmer, an organic inspector, and served as Oregon Tilth’s Technical Specialist in organic policy and technical review of materials for use in organic products. She holds an advanced degree in Fermentation Science, served on the OMRI Board of Directors for 12 years and was the North American representative on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Advisory Board.

Gwendolyn is a leading expert in:

• Organic standards and certification systems and she authored the first and only GUIDE on developing an organic proud prevention plan which ultimately stood up a corresponding organic fraud prevention program. The GUIDE is THE industry standard reference for excellence in achieving integrity across complex organic global supply chains. Gwendolyn also together with the leading expert in food fraud prevention (Dr. John Spink) developed multiple trainings on how to develop an organic fraud prevention plan.
• Conducting vulnerability assessments & control plans specific to organic operations. Under SOE, the requirements for certified operations to develop an organic fraud prevention plan (and the parts contained therein) is based on the OFPS Guide & Program.
• Organic Certification generally, and specifically for retail operations. Other unique areas of expertise include organic textiles, supplements, pet food, and personal care.
• Food science and processing generally, and specifically for organic operations. Areas of focus include product research and development, organic ingredient sourcing, contamination prevention methods, fermented products, pest control and complex compliance issues related to minor ingredients allowed in organic products.
• Education and training to help organic businesses understand the basics about the organic requirements and communicate why their organic products are better for the planet, people and the economy (regenerative, climate-smart and sustainable).

Kim holds a master’s degree in global food law and throughout her career has specialized in organic standards and policy. She worked for 30 plus years with the J.M. Smucker Company and 3 years with Firmenich. She has directly overseen 13 organic handling operations, including the management of the successful certification of the first certified organic handling facility in the United States. Early in her career she spearheaded the development of the first organic flavor. Dietz has tirelessly advocated for the organic sector, and has led numerous task forces, committees, and coalitions, including serving as president of the Organic Trade Association Board for 7 years, member of the National Organic Standards Board, founding member of the Organic Materials Review Institute and member of the California Organic Food Advisory Committee.

Kim is a leading expert in:

• Global Food Law - In 2019 Kim obtained her Masters of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Global Food Law from Michigan State University College of Law. She also holds a certificate in International Food Laws from the Institute for Food Laws, Michigan State University.
• Handling - Organic Certification Program Management. Kim had direct oversight of 13 handling operations and was the key contact in hundreds of organic audits. Fun fact; under Kim’s leadership, she managed the successful certification of the very 1st certified handling facility in the United States.
• Organic Leadership and Policy. Throughout her career, Kim has been an organic leader specializing in organic standards and policy. She has led numerous task forces, committees, and coalitions. Her expertise is organic food fraud, investigations, grower groups, non-organic allowed materials/ingredients, handling processing.
  
  • Served on the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors (OTA) – 7 years as board president
  • Served on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) as a handler representative, Chair of Materials Committee, Board Secretary
  • Founding member of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
    Served on the California Organic Food Advisory Committee (COPAC) as handler representative
• She is a Certified Process Consultant/Facilitator, Kepner Tregoe, problem solving and decision making. An expert facilitator and educator.
• Business Management. Kim has extensive expertise in Human Resource Management, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Government Relations, State and Federal Affairs, Sourcing and Procurement.

Johanna Phillips is a recognized expert in organic certification and regulatory affairs with over 30 years of experience in the food and agricultural sector, 15 years of which in enforcement and oversight. Her career has spanned diverse roles, from program management and technical leadership within certifying agencies to driving business development and policy influence at the state and national levels.

Early in her career, Johanna's experience included overseeing the Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Organic Program, where she spearheaded significant program growth while leading a team through a period of record-breaking interest, successfully managing budgets and developing streamlined systems for optimal performance. This period also included a pivotal role in a landmark fraud investigation, resulting in a successful prosecution and an important precedent for federal enforcement of organic regulations.

She has held key technical leadership positions at Ecocert USA and NICS, two leading US organic certifiers. In her role as Technical Director, she managed quality systems, and represented Ecocert to customers, officials, and the public through various industry boards and associations. Currently, Johanna serves as Director of Business Development and Technical Affairs at Strengthening Organic Systems, LLC, where she leverages her extensive knowledge to develop and deliver compelling technical, educational, and business development content across diverse platforms.

Johanna is a leading expert in:

• Organic Certification & Regulatory Affairs: Possessing in-depth understanding of USDA NOP regulations, international organic standards, and certification processes. Her expertise extends to a range of agricultural products and spans the entire organic supply chain from production to processing and handling.
• Program Management & Leadership: Proven ability to manage complex programs, budgets, and teams effectively, achieving significant growth and operational efficiency in dynamic environments.
• Farm to Table Experience: A lifetime in agriculture has spanned from a childhood and experience in production agriculture and degree in Animal Science. Her experience spans farm to table, and from production at the farm level, to business experience in agriculture, to oversight, inspection, and enforcement in both state and federal food, feed, and production certification.
• Organic Fraud Prevention & Investigation: Experience leading investigations, collaborating with law enforcement, and developing robust systems to maintain integrity within the organic industry.
• Technical Communication, Presentation & Education: Skilled in developing and delivering engaging and informative technical content for various audiences, including regulators, industry professionals, and consumers.
• Business Development: Proven ability to identify and pursue growth opportunities, while building and maintaining strategic partnerships within the organic sector.