Building a Better Food System — One Strategic Move at a Time
Hello
Karlin Strategic Consulting is a trusted food and agriculture advocate, ready to work with you to build your vision of a better food system.
Who we are
We are leading subject matter experts, passionate about creating a healthier and better food system. We bring deep Washington experience, sharp strategic thinking, and a genuine passion to help like-minded partners affect real change.
What Does a Better Food System Look Like?
Our Vision
We work with our partners towards a healthier, more sustainable food system – everything from climate-smart, resilient agriculture, thriving and inclusive organic markets, to fair treatment for every worker. It’s about reducing hunger, increasing access to nutritious food, transforming food waste into value, and ensuring transparency and integrity from farm to label.
Real change takes more than policy.
That’s why we work with lawmakers and with mission-driven companies, philanthropies, entrepreneurs, and coalitions ready to lead in new ways.
We help changemakers turn big visions into real impact—shaping policy, shifting markets, mobilizing bold allies, and designing innovative, sustainable business models that empower mission-driven organizations to scale—even as the federal government steps back.
We work to connect across sectors—translating the needs and priorities of farmers, businesses, certifiers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to build coalitions, advance policy, and create meaningful change.
Our Approach
Insightful. Strategic. People-Centered.
We bring sound, trusted judgment—shaped by decades in the Senate, at USDA, and deep inside regulatory systems—and we use it to help clients make confident, bold moves.
We ask the hard questions. We dig into the details. We build strong systems (yes, we love a spreadsheet), so we can focus on what really drives change: people, trust, and relationships.
We don’t just work the system—we work to improve it. And we’re not afraid to think differently: from unlocking private capital to reimagining compliance, to building unexpected coalitions that shift the narrative entirely.
At Karlin Strategic Consulting, we don’t just offer advice—we become a strategic partner in your mission. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a philanthropic investor, a mission-driven business, or a policy-focused coalition, we provide tailored strategies that move your work forward with clarity, purpose, and resonance across audiences.
What We Do
We specialize in helping mission-driven organizations drive transformative change in food, agriculture, and sustainability through deep expertise, creative problem-solving, and bold, forward-thinking approaches. Here’s how we deliver results:
Compliance Roadmaps – Leverage deep regulatory insight to reduce risk, streamline systems, and turn organic integrity into a market advantage.
Policy & Advocacy Strategy – Influence outcomes at the federal, state, and agency levels with smart, targeted advocacy.
Philanthropic Advising – Identify and prioritize high-impact funding opportunities to accelerate systems change.
Strategic Planning & Implementation – Tackle complex challenges with fresh thinking and practical strategies that align diverse stakeholders.
Legal Strategy – Navigate regulatory barriers and design legal approaches that unlock opportunity and support your goals.
Coalition & Stakeholder Engagement – Build broad-based partnerships and collective power through inclusive, trust-based collaboration.
Narrative & Consumer Engagement – Develop messages that move minds and markets — and reframe what’s possible.
Organizational Design & Governance – Build resilient, mission-aligned structures that support long-term growth and impact.
Whether you’re reimagining compliance, influencing policy, or testing new models for change, we help you move from vision to execution — with clarity, creativity, and confidence.
You bring the mission. We’ll help you execute it with elegance, integrity and imagination, across audiences.
Legal Expert. Trusted Strategic Advocate. Food Systems Changemaker
Marni Karlin is a seasoned policy strategist, legal advisor, and advocate with over two decades of experience advancing bold, systemic change across food, agriculture, and sustainability. She brings a rare mix of regulatory fluency, legal expertise, and creative thinking to her work — helping mission-driven companies, nonprofits, and coalitions navigate complexity and drive real impact.
Marni began her career practicing antitrust and commercial litigation in Washington, D.C., and later served as counsel to Senator Herb Kohl on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she shepherded bipartisan legislation on antitrust and unlawful tobacco trafficking into law.
She then moved to the Organic Trade Association, where she led federal advocacy as Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel, securing major wins including the inclusion of all organic priorities in the 2014 Farm Bill, advancing livestock and poultry regulations. During her tenure, she secured the inclusion of all organic policy priorities in the 2014 Farm Bill.
She also advocated before the National Organic Standards Board for clearer, more consistent regulations, something she continues to do today She successfully engaged the FDA to ensure its guidance on arsenic in rice was both scientifically sound and achievable for organic producers. In addition, Marni shepherded key federal regulations through the rulemaking process, including those governing organic livestock and poultry production. Her work at OTA cemented her reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in organic food and farming.
Marni went on to serve as Senior Advisor for Organic and Emerging Markets at the USDA, where she advised the Secretary of Agriculture and helped launch the $300 million Organic Transition Initiative — supporting farmers with technical assistance, conservation tools, and market development.
As Strategic Initiatives Advisor to the Accredited Certifiers Association, she led a cross-sector push to improve consistency in organic certification, coordinating efforts among domestic and international certifiers to implement the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule — the largest update to organic regulations in two decades. She also pioneered new, risk-based models of compliance verification to modernize regulatory oversight.
An entrepreneur at heart, Marni built the CEA Alliance from the ground up, scaling membership sixfold, launching national food safety standards, and building cross-sector partnerships. She also led strategic expansion efforts as Managing Director of The Cookbook Project, focused on food and nutrition education.
Today, her work continues to impact the organic world, as she:
Recently developed a USDA-endorsed Organic System Plan adopted by nearly all USDA-accredited certifiers and industry stakeholders.
Founded and is leading the national School Food Workforce Advisory Committee to champion policies that support school food professionals and healthier, scratch-cooked meals.
Advises national trade associations on governance reform, including ethics and bylaws.
Guides companies through complex regulatory issues, including non-compliance and enforcement risk.
Designed best practices for remote inspections to ensure compliance continuity during COVID and future disruptions.
Marni is known for her strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and ability to connect the dots between policy, people, and systems — always with an eye toward building a stronger, more resilient food system.
A graduate of The George Washington University (B.A., International Economics) and the University of Chicago Law School (J.D., with honors), Marni also holds a Culinary Arts diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris — a nod to her belief that food is both personal and political.Marni is an Adjunct Instructor in the Food Studies Program at New York University (NYU), where she teaches “Food Advocacy” and “Climate Policy and Food,” at the Master’s level.She also taught “Foundations of Food Policy” in the Political Science Department at Tulane University. She serves on the boards of Oregon Tilth and Jewish Farmer Network, and is a member of the National Council of Jewish Women and Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
“As a 20+-year veteran of Capitol Hill I’ve worked with hundreds of people — few have been as enjoyable to work with as Marni Karlin. Marni not only has a deep understanding of public policy, but more importantly she is a talented strategist with an ability to develop and execute a plan to get results… Marni is a creative thinker, a fierce advocate, and consummate professional who gets the job done.”
— Chris Huckleberry, former Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
“Marni was able to come in on short notice and assist Clif Bar with a nuanced and complicated agricultural policy issue, one that impacted both conventional and organic farmers. She did a deep dive into the issue and mapped out challenges and potential pathways forward. The white paper she crafted gave us the magnetic north we needed to proceed. Marni’s passion for policy work is matched by her thoroughness and due diligence; a combo that makes her a joy to work with.” — Matthew Dillon, Director of Agricultural Policy & Programs, Clif Bar & Company
“My company engaged Marni on short notice to help us conduct a due diligence review for our potential acquisition of an organic grain originator and merchandiser… Her practical approach helped us distinguish issues that were material from those that weren’t worth the expenditure of limited resources.” — Glen Goldman, VP, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Ceres Global Ag Corp
“Our company has had the professional pleasure to work with Marni Karlin… She always delivered our objectives, knew how to clear the strategic way, and had the extraordinary professional skills needed to guide us in the most effective direction. She is the best of the best.” — Thomas Harding, AgriSystems International
“Marni has been an invaluable part of the team representing Munger Farms. She has an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the law, regulations, and culture of the organic sector. She has given us wise counsel.” — Bill Broydrick, Consultant to Munger Farms
“I’ve been consistently impressed with Marni’s experience and knowledge in agriculture policy. I feel she immediately understood the needs of our company… We’ve turned to her for solid advice on how to better engage with trade associations, lawmakers and NGOs in our sector.” — Kellee James, Founder and CEO, Mercaris
“Marni is a great resource for our company when we need to better understand the “why” behind the “what” on areas where we interface with Congress and Federal Agencies. Marni is able to get to the heart of the matter quickly, and provide us with the necessary background to enable us to provide informed responses. Marni’s years of experience on Capitol Hill, and her subsequent work with OTA, give her a unique skillset to help companies like ours navigate the complexities of the federal system.” — Tim Schultz, Vice President of Research and Development, Lundberg Family Farms
“It has been my great pleasure to work alongside Marni on a number of critical and legally complex issues… She is a great advocate and brings a balanced approach to her work – she genuinely loves what she does.” — Chip English, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Marni Karlin over the past several years through projects she has led at the Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA). Her deep experience and knowledge of organic policy and certification are matched by her attention to detail and creative problem solving. In her interactions with colleagues, she brings thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility to the work. She is a valued colleague whose insights have strengthened our shared efforts to advance and protect the integrity of organic agriculture.” – Abby Youngblood, Executive Director, National Organic Coalition
“Marni is a highly skilled thought partner with a strong ability to balance project management and long-term strategy. She possesses deep knowledge and connections in the food and agriculture space but has also demonstrated an ability to learn and communicate within new issue verticals. I wholeheartedly recommend hiring Marni to advance your cause!” – MJ Kepner, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, Chef Ann Foundation
“Marni brings both heart and brilliance to everything she does. Her strategic thinking, deep organic knowledge, and outside-the-box solutions have made her an invaluable partner across multiple projects. Whether leading a team or facilitating tough conversations, Marni always creates space for progress and impact. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.” – Connie Karr, Advisor, Accredited Certifiers Association
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Marni in several working groups. Marni is highly intelligent and capable of navigating a variety of topics and projects across the organic marketplace. In my experience, she is one of the most effective and adept facilitators. She maintains a professional and open approach to incorporate stakeholder feedback, with careful monitoring to deliver an effective product. She has always delivered on every project I have worked with her on, and can be depended upon to operate with great integrity. I would highly recommend her as an asset and a resource. “- Johanna Phillips, Strengthening Organic Systems, Director of Business Development and Technical Affairs
