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Training Information: CED-0560 - Organic Specialist Training for Crops
Organic Specialist Training for Crops
This training is for current farmers, new farmers, farm advisors, and people interested in gaining specialized knowledge of organic regulations and certification requirements for a company, agency, organization, and/or to pursue a career in organic certification. The training includes in-person lectures, discussion groups and a field trip focused on organic vegetable production. The in-person course is preceded by 4 1-hour online classes on the history and meaning of "organic" as well as general organic requirements for crops, livestock, handling and labeling. The online classes must be completed prior to attending the 2-day in-person session.
Instructor Information:
The instructors, Jim Riddle and Joyce Ford, have long played leading roles in the organic sector, as farmers, inspectors, educators, authors, and speakers. In the early 1990's, they established the International Organic Inspectors Association, (IOIA), and co-authored of the International Organic Inspection Manual. Jim is former chair of the USDA National Organic Standards Board. In 2009, Jim and Joyce started Blue Fruit Farm, growing organic perennial fruits. In 2013, Jim and Joyce received EcoFarm's coveted Stewards of Sustainable Ag (Sustie) award, and were named the 2019 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year.
REGISTRATION: Registration closes two (2) weeks before the training starts. Registrations are not accepted within five (5) days of the training.
CANCELATION: Cancelations occurring within five (5) days of the training start will be assessed a $35 cancelation fee. No refunds are given for no-shows.
STOP: If you have been awarded a VSAC Advancement Grant or plan to use your AmeriCorps Segal funds, please email CWPE@VermontState.edu to register.
Course Resources
Please contact the Center for Agriculture & Food Entrepreneurship for additional information and/or questions