Chris Anderson - Vice President

Portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, wearing a dark suit jacket and light blue shirt, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.
Portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, wearing a dark suit jacket and light blue shirt, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Chris Anderson is a lifelong organic foods activist, passionate about sustainable and organic agriculture. His passion began at a young age, as he and his family sat around the dinner table discussing the daily challenges of operating America’s first vertically integrated organic farm, Walnut Acres. The family rapidly grew their business from a small family farm into an iconic nationwide organic food brand, which ultimately influenced the creation of US policy and the creation of the National Organic Program standards.

Chris’ work in the organic industry continues today, serving as the President with Sustainable Strategies. The firm provides advisory services for farms and businesses seeking organic certification, market access, and strategic growth plans. He is adept at developing successful growth strategies that are responsive to an ever-changing marketplace. He specializes in creating new brand concepts, building engaging consumer environments, and fostering strategic partnerships and alliances across multiple industries, including consumer products and retail, restaurants, real estate, government, and the public sector.

Additionally, Chris advises world governments and trade associations on how best to navigate global organic standards to expand international organic trade. He has participated in the GAP analysis and strategic planning for each of the current organic equivalency agreements in which the US is engaged, including those with the EU and Canada, and ongoing work with Chile, Mexico, and Australia.

Chris also serves on the Board of Directors at the Walnut Acres Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to educate a new generation of farmers and consumers about the benefits of organic food and to preserve his family’s legacy in the organic movement.

Outside of work, Chris and his family are passionate eaters and travelers currently on a quest to see all 7 Wonders of the World and experience local foods from every corner of the globe.

Interested in joining PCO’s board? Visit our board nomination page to learn more.

PCO Board Nomination