Joe Dickson

Joe Dickson is a prominent figure in the natural and organic products industry, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Head of Quality Standards & Policy at Merryfield Inc. With over 20 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading advocate for organic agriculture and food integrity.

Professional Background

Before co-founding Merryfield, Dickson spent 15 years at Whole Foods Market, where he held various roles culminating in his position as Director of Quality Standards. In this role, he was responsible for developing and maintaining quality standards for products sold in Whole Foods' stores, playing a crucial part in the company's recognition as the first national certified organic retailer. He led initiatives to create several critical standards, including:

• Premium Body Care Standard for personal care products
• Eco-Scale Standards for cleaning products
• GMO Labeling Policy, which contributed to the establishment of The Non-GMO Project

His expertise also extends to organic certification systems; he served on the National Organic Standards Board from 2010 to 2015, advising the USDA on organic agricultural practices. Additionally, he has been involved with the Texas Department of Agriculture's Organic Industry Advisory Board and has been a Trustee of The Organic Center since 2017.124

Education and Personal Life

Joe Dickson graduated with a BA in Cognitive Science from Vassar College. He is originally from New England and developed a passion for organic and sustainable agriculture during his undergraduate studies. Currently, he resides on a ranch in Bastrop County, Texas, where he and his husband raise goats and chickens, grow vegetables, and manage their property as a sanctuary for songbirds and wildlife.12

Contributions to Merryfield

At Merryfield, Joe Dickson focuses on creating an app that helps consumers navigate the increasingly complex landscape of clean label products. The app aims to simplify shopping by providing information about trusted brands and rewarding consumers for their purchases of better-for-you products. This initiative reflects his commitment to making high-quality food options more accessible to consumers.34