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About IOIA |
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The International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) is a professional, non-profit association of organic farm, livestock, and processing inspectors. IOIA provides comprehensive organic inspector training worldwide, promotes consistency and integrity in the certification process, and addresses issues and concerns relevant to organic inspectors. Our goals include improvement of the inspection process and providing the inspector community with a voice in the organic industry. IOIA was founded in 1991 by organic inspectors who recognized the need for uniform inspection processes and protocols, to build inspector skills, and promote public confidence. In 2008, our membership voted to change the name of the association to better recognize our international scope. IOIA
is not an employment service and does not arrange work for inspectors. Rather,
it is an association of inspectors which strives to provide support services
for inspectors and an opportunity for collective voice in industry issues. IOIA inspectors serve all certification agencies. Their professionalism contributes
to consistency and integrity in the certification process worldwide. IOIA also serves the Organic Sector by working closely with numerous regional, state, provincial, and international certification agencies, as well as with governmental agencies and IFOAM, to develop policies relating to organic inspection and inspector training. All certifiers are invited to attend IOIA trainings and present their programs. IOIA has published Organic Inspection Manuals. Our quarterly newsletter The Inspector's Report is provided free to members and by subscription to non-members. IOIA currently has 237 inspector members in 13 countries. IOIA has an office in Broadus, Montana, USA and a 5 member Board of Directors. IOIA Committees include Accreditation, Bylaws, Canadian, Finance, Latin American, and Membership. The membership meets annually at various locations in North and Central America. IOIA offers supporting membership opportunities for individuals, businesses, organizations, and certification agencies. Individual supporting members include persons interested in the inspection process, representatives of organic food manufacturers, and representatives of certification groups. IOIA currently has 138 supporting members in all categories. IOIA is a member of IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), Green America, the Montana Nonprofit Association, and OTA (Organic Trade Association). IOIA supports (COG) Canadian Organic Growers, OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), and The Organic & Non-GMO Report through subscriptions.
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