Alan directs government affairs and food and agriculture policy for Natural Grocers, a health food store chain founded in 1955 that operates over 150 stores in 19 states. At the federal and state level, Alan engages with lawmakers and regulators on food, agriculture, nutrition, rural economic development, trade and health issues. He also oversees organic certification and compliance for all Natural Grocers locations while supporting the development of regional food systems through smaller local food producers. Alan is active in several trade and advocacy organizations and sits on the board of the Organic and Natural Health Association (ONHA). He has been a speaker and panelist at dozens of industry-related events, including a presentation at TEDx Boulder in 2014. Long a student of political activism, his focus is on communicating with stakeholders at the federal, state and local level using frameworks that are non-confrontational and inclusive. He has lived for extended periods in Portugal, Haiti, and Dominica, where he developed a keen appreciation for culture and agriculture within dynamic ecological, political and economic contexts.
Alan Lewis
June 6, 2018