IOIA Basic Crop Inspection Training, Frankfort, Kentucky – November 4 - 8, 2024

Course Description

This training is funded by the USDA through a Kentucky Specialty Crop Block Grant, administered by the KY Department of Agriculture, “Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Kentucky Organic Agriculture sector”.  Dr. Shawn Lucas of KSU says, “Organic farming represents an opportunity for minority farmers to participate in a growing market while garnering higher farm profits. Organic inspection is an overlooked career path and bringing diversity into the ranks of inspectors may help bring more diversity into the ranks of organic farmers.”

Interested in knowing more about becoming an organic inspector?

Intro to IOIA and Organic Inspection (PowerPoint)

Become an Organic Inspector (video)

The 4 ½ -day Basic Crop Inspection Training follows IOIA’s curriculum requirements which include: classroom instruction on the USDA organic standards; working with organic system plans; how to inspect organic farms; audit trail requirements; risk assessment; investigative skills; report writing; approved input materials; assessing natural resource management; inspector conduct, confidentiality, and ethics; understanding the difference between inspecting and consulting; and effective communication. The course includes 2.5 days of classroom instruction, a half-day field trip to a certified organic farm for a practice inspection, 1 day of guided inspection report writing, and half-day for testing. Participants who attend all sessions, write a Satisfactory sample inspection report, and earn at least 75% on the exam to receive Certificates of Completion.  

Pre-requisite, 6-hour Online NOP Crop Standards Webinar must be completed in advance and is included in the registration.

The course is limited to 16 participants. Funding through the grant is available to support participation by minority and socially disadvantaged stakeholders. Kentucky participants who are qualified and fit those groups will be prioritized. Space will be made available to qualified applicants from nearby states, and finally open to others in the US if space is available.

Email: ioiassistant@rangeweb.net with questions.

The 4 ½ -day Basic Inspection Training follows IOIA's curriculum requirements. 

Frankfort, Kentucky Basic Crop Training - PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING.

Deadline to Register and Apply is Friday, September 20, 2024. 

Frankfort, Kentucky Crop Training Application - Complete and Submit to address on application.

Registration Closed. Email - ioiassistant@rangeweb.net for further details

If you know someone who is a minority or socially disadvantaged and also has the qualifications to become an organic crop inspector, please send them to IOIA. This can include immigrant farmers and small farmers who can’t access the resources to pay for training. Certified organic status is not required of participants. Priority will be given to residents of Kentucky.

Schedule

Registration is scheduled from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning, November 4, at the farm. 

The 4 ½ -day Basic Crop Inspection Training follows IOIA's curriculum requirements which include: classroom instruction on the organic standards (focus on the USDA National Organic Rule); working with organic system plans; how to inspect organic farms; audit trail requirements; risk assessment; investigative skills; report writing; approved input materials; assessing natural resource management; inspector conduct, confidentiality, and ethics; understanding the difference between inspecting and consulting; and effective communication. 

The course also includes a field trip/practice inspection to a certified organic farm, a written assignment (inspection report), and final exam. 

The exam is scheduled for Friday morning, November 8th.

Requirements

Crop Course: 

• Submission of complete registration, application, résumé. 

• Fluency of the language in which the course is given.

• Demonstration of good communication skills (written, verbal and listening).

• Understanding of and commitment to, enforcement of organic certification principles.

• Demonstration of related continuing education.

Additional Course Acceptance Criteria: 

A minimum of 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in organic/sustainable agriculture, with knowledge of conventional agricultural practices.

Knowledge of basic accounting and ability to solve mathematical problems.