Driving Integrity, Sustainability & Deep Trust in Food, Agriculture and Consumer Products

Designing standards and verification programs is one of our deepest specialties. Our principals have spent decades helping organizations conceive, structure, and operationalize everything from retailer ingredient standards to full third-party certification programs. Our approach considers scientific rigor, supply-chain realities, auditor usability, and market expectations. We’re equally comfortable drafting criteria, developing governance models, writing auditor guidance, or planning commercialization and adoption pathways. Whether you’re modernizing a legacy program or building something entirely new, we make sure the result is clear, auditable, meaningful, and ready for the real world.

Representative Work

Modernized and updated quality and ingredient standards for one of the nation’s largest consumer-owned food cooperatives, improving clarity, auditability, and alignment with leading scientific and regulatory frameworks.

Advised the Upcycled Food Association on the creation, governance, and rollout of Upcycled Certified®, including criteria development, auditor guidance, and market adoption strategy for the world’s first upcycled ingredient and product certification.

Prepared a major environmental NGO to assume ownership and operational control of a family of circularity and sustainable packaging standards, including governance modeling, accreditation pathways, and the long-term technical roadmap.

Co-developed new verification programs for nutritional quality and contaminant testing, supporting emerging standards for analytical rigor, sampling protocols, and consumer-facing claims.

We help organizations build credible sustainability strategies and communicate them clearly to the people who matter. Our work combines practical goal-setting, clear impact narratives, and the stakeholder engagement needed to turn plans into action. We bring the right partners to the table — farmers, suppliers, certifiers, NGOs, and buyers — and help you align around shared priorities that move your mission forward. And because sustainability only matters if people understand it, we translate the technical work into plain-spoken narratives that resonate with customers, buyers, investors, and internal teams.

Representative Work

Partnered with a global standards body and a leading international retailer to design third-party certification standards for sustainable and circular products, balancing scientific rigor with market practicality.

Advised a regional grocery retailer on a multi-year sustainability and impact strategy, including ingredient policy modernization, regenerative sourcing pathways, and stakeholder communications.

Led a multi-stakeholder initiative across farmers, NGOs, and regional buyers to build alignment on organic transition needs and regional market demand under USDA’s TOPP program.

We guide companies through complex certification landscapes with a steady hand. Our team includes former certifiers, auditors, and standards developers who know exactly what reviewers look for. We create documentation systems, assess gaps, build SOPs, prepare teams for audits, and troubleshoot compliance challenges before they become findings. We also support certifiers and standards bodies refining their own systems or preparing for accreditation. From organic to food safety to non-GMO and retailer programs, we bring structure, clarity, and confidence to every step of the process.

Representative Work

Guided a consortium of seven New England food hubs through USDA organic certification under the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, building unified systems for documentation, traceability, and mass balance that enabled all hubs to achieve certification.

Supported a national natural foods retailer in obtaining organic certification for its multi-state distribution network, including implementation of receiving protocols, inventory controls, and systemwide compliance procedures.

Led several CPG companies through certification audits for organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and cGMP programs, improving SOPs, documentation structure, audit readiness, and corrective-action pathways.

We work with organizations to build strong, durable quality and food safety systems that stand up to any audit and protect consumers. Our experience includes facility-level QA operations, multi-site program development, risk assessments, preventive controls, supplier verification, environmental monitoring, and corrective-action systems. We make complex requirements understandable and executable, tailoring programs to the realities of your production, processing, or distribution environment. Our focus is on practicality: systems that work for your team on a Tuesday afternoon, not just on paper.

Representative Work

Prepared a regional food distribution hub in Vermont for its GMP audit, developing SOPs, risk assessments, sanitation programs, and employee training—resulting in a near-perfect score and unlocking new institutional sales channels.

Conducted a full operational review for a retailer preparing to distribute higher-risk products, developing QA protocols, hazard controls, cold-chain integrity systems, and escalation pathways across its distribution centers.

Developed food safety and quality systems for multiple early-stage food and beverage companies, including HACCP plans, supplier verification, and audit preparation.

We help clients navigate the regulatory maze surrounding food, agriculture, consumer products, labeling, imports, and emerging policy. Our work spans USDA organic rules, FDA labeling and preventive controls, FTC advertising guidelines, state-level requirements, PFAS and packaging laws, and specialized programs like SOE and AB 899. We translate dense regulations into clear, workable plans, and help organizations anticipate changes before they hit. We also support clients who want to engage with policymakers or understand the direction of regulatory trends that may affect their business.

Representative Work

Supported a major co-manufacturer of baby and toddler foods in complying with California AB 899 and FDA requirements, including testing protocols, reporting frameworks, on-pack disclosures, and online transparency tools for heavy metals.

Advised an ISO-accredited laboratory on the development of a comprehensive Code of Practice covering analytical methods, reporting standards, sampling protocols, and data integrity across heavy metals, pesticides, and nutrient panels.

Developed regulatory and labeling compliance strategies for multiple CPG companies navigating evolving state and federal rules around packaging, PFAS, ingredients, and organic cross-border requirements.

We help organizations strengthen their supply chains by improving transparency, integrity, and environmental performance from farm to finished product. This includes regenerative sourcing frameworks, ingredient and supplier assessments, traceability systems, risk reviews, on-farm support pathways, and sustainability metrics. We focus on solutions that are both meaningful and implementable — ones that respect the realities of farming, processing, and global supply chains. Our work helps companies reduce risk, deepen trust, and move confidently toward long-term sustainability goals.

Representative Work

Advised a leading regional retailer on regenerative agriculture sourcing, developing criteria, producer support pathways, and purchasing tools that recognize soil health and farm-level practices.

Supported a national agricultural lending and investment platform in refining its regenerative agriculture standards, measurement tools, and evaluation criteria for farm-level financing decisions.

Conducted supply chain risk and sustainability assessments for multiple CPG brands seeking to improve traceability, ingredient integrity, and alignment with organic and regenerative market expectations.

Joe Dickson brings over 25 years of leadership at the intersection of organic agriculture, sustainability, and standards development. As Founder and Principal of Lot 49 Advisors, he helps retailers, NGOs, brands, and farms build credible systems for certification, compliance, and sustainability.

Joe previously served as the Global Director of Quality Standards at Whole Foods Market, where he led the development and execution of regulatory compliance, product standards, and transparency initiatives across North America and the UK. He co-founded consumer education and rewards app Merryfield, served on the National Organic Standards Board, and contributes today as a Senior Associate at Wolf & Associates. Joe serves as a board member at Carnation Farms, and Board President at Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

Based in Southern Vermont, Joe’s work spans organic imports, farm support programs, retailer standard-setting, sustainability strategies, and new certification program development. His grounding in agriculture runs deep — including a decade spent running a regenerative goat and chicken ranch in Texas.

Jaclyn Bowen is a leader in quality systems engineering, food safety, contaminant testing, and certification development. As the Executive Director of Clean Label Project, Jaclyn led the largest peer-reviewed study on heavy metals in baby food and has presented her research at the United Nations.

Her prior work at NSF International included developing technical standards and certification programs for organic, halal, cGMP, and SQF systems. Today she also serves as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Radicle Science, bringing scientific rigor to consumer health products.

Jaclyn blends deep technical expertise with on-farm experience at her own organic and regenerative fruit operation. She holds degrees in environmental biology, public health, and quality engineering.

CONSULTANT

Ben Gray, MS RD, is a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems and a leading figure in the upcycled food industry. As Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the Upcycled Food Association, Ben spearheaded the creation of Upcycled CertifiedⓇ, the world’s first certification for upcycled ingredients and products. His leadership has helped grow the upcycled movement to over 275 companies in 20 countries, transforming the way we think about food waste and sustainability.

In addition to his work with the Upcycled Food Association, Ben is a Strategic Advisor for Clean Label Project, where he helps shape strategies for better-for-you brands in the baby food sector. A Registered Dietitian with a background in academia, Ben has taught at top institutions and is deeply committed to building a global food system that nourishes both people and the planet. His work is driven by the belief that we can create a more sustainable future for all.

SENIOR CONSULTANT

John Foster brings a wealth of knowledge in organic standards and certification systems, solidifying his reputation as an industry leader. Currently serving as COO at Wolf & Associates, John has led teams in implementing USDA-accredited organic programs, developing standards for organic crops, livestock, and overseeing industry-leading QA and food safety systems.

With a career spanning senior roles with certification bodies and brands, John has been instrumental in developing independent standards for various certifications, including fair-trade and organic hydroponics. His expertise extends to supply chain compliance, where he ensured the highest levels of quality assurance at Earthbound Farms and White Wave Foods. Since 2018, John has focused on consulting, offering invaluable insights into organic regulatory compliance, sustainable product development, and green business strategies. His deep commitment to the highest standards is reflected in every aspect of his work.

CO-FOUNDER & CFO

John Livingston brings a wealth of experience as a financial leader, conservationist, and philosopher to his role as Co-Founder and CFO of Lot 49 Advisors. John is also the Director of Finance at Vermont Land Trust, where he oversees financial operations and contributes to the organization’s mission of land conservation.

A passionate fly fisherman, John was introduced to the sport during his time at the University of Texas. His love for fishing led him to work at the Austin Angler, a renowned fly shop in central Texas. His fishing adventures have taken him from the wilds of Patagonia to the rivers of Southern Vermont, where he now resides.

With a deep commitment to the natural world, John seamlessly blends his expertise in finance with his passion for conservation, helping organizations make lasting, meaningful impacts.

CONSULTANT

Jody Peterson is a seasoned expert in food safety, with over two decades of hands-on experience in the industry. As an SQF Contract Auditor and Consultant with ASI Food Safety, Jody has worked with a diverse range of clients, from retail distribution centers to livestock processing operations. Her expertise spans multiple food safety frameworks, including SQF and GFSI, and she has played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance across the supply chain.

Before her current role, Jody served as the Director of Food Safety at Colorado Mushroom Farm, where she was responsible for upholding rigorous SQF standards. Certified as both an SQF Auditor and Advanced Practitioner, Jody brings a meticulous approach to every project. When she’s not working, she can be found on her family farm in Alamosa, Colorado, where her passion for food safety and agriculture continues to grow. As a fifth-generation rancher, Jody’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in food safety is evident in everything she does.