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Training Requirements
 
 
 

Acceptance to IOIA Courses is limited. Once you are accepted to the course, an instructional letter and curriculum materials will be mailed to you (about one month prior to the training). Please take the time to read these in full before attending the course. Inspector applicants to these IOIA trainings must meet the following acceptance criteria:
BASIC ORGANIC FARM INSPECTOR TRAINING

  1. Submission of complete application, resume and fees.
  2. A minimum 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in organic agriculture, with knowledge of conventional agricultural practices.
  3. Fluency of the language in which the course is given.
  4. Demonstration of good communication skills (written, verbal and listening).
  5. Understanding and commitment to organic principles and certification process.
  6. Demonstration of continuing education.
  7. Appropriate physical and mental health.

BASIC ORGANIC PROCESS INSPECTOR TRAINING

  1. Submission of complete application, resume and fees.
  2. A minimum 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in food processing.
  3. Knowledge of accounting and/or audit control procedures.
  4. Fluency of the language in which the course is given.
  5. Demonstration of good communication skills (written, verbal and listening).
  6. Understanding and commitment to organic principles and certification process.
  7. Demonstration of continuing education.
  8. Appropriate physical and mental health.

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK INSPECTOR TRAINING

  1. A minimum of 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in organic agriculture or livestock, with knowledge of conventional agricultural and livestock practices.
  2. Attendance at an IOIA Basic Farm Inspector Course.
  3. Submission of complete application, resume and fees.
  4. Fluency of the language in which the course is given.
  5. Demonstration of good communication skills (written, verbal and listening).
  6. Understanding of and commitment to enforcement of organic certification principles.
  7. Demonstration of continuing education.
  8. Appropriate physical and mental health.

ADVANCED ORGANIC INSPECTOR TRAINING

  1. Same as above.
  2. Advanced course attendees should have at least 2 years inspection experience and have conducted at least 20 inspections or 1 year inspection experience and have conducted at least 30 inspections.
  3. Prior completion of 2 inspector training courses, or a letter of recommendation from an organic certification agency demonstrating inspector competency.

EXCEPTIONS: Exceptions to the above admission standards may be made on a case by case basis. Persons seeking exceptions should state in writing their qualifications and what contributions they would make to an advanced training course. Exceptions are granted by the Regional Training Oversight Committee following set deadlines.