Organic Specialist Training for Crops
This training is for existing farmers, new farmers, and people interested in gaining specialized knowledge of organic production and certification for a company, agency, organization, and/or if you want to pursue a career in organic certification. The training includes in-person lectures, discussion groups and field trips focused on farm crop production including vegetable production. It is preceded by a 4 hr. online workshop on the history and meaning of “organic” as well as general organic requirements. This workshop is completed prior to the 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.
Organic Specialist Training for Livestock
This training is for existing farmers, new farmers, people interested in becoming an organic specialist for a company, agency, organization, and/or if you want to pursue a career in organic certification. The training includes in-person lectures, discussion groups and field trips. It is preceded by a 4 hr. online workshop on the history and meaning of “organic” as well as general organic requirements. This workshop is completed prior to the in-person session.
Instructor Information:
The instructor, Cheryl Cesario, is a consultant for Common Sense Solutions. Cheryl has been working directly with farmers since 2004 on grazing management, organic certification, water quality regulations, and big picture planning and goal setting. She helps farmers plan and implement practices, navigate funding channels, and provides grant writing services. She has grazed and worked with animals in her own farming endeavors as well as working on a handful of dairy farms. Cheryl has consulted with farmers and ranchers in the Northeast, Texas, and the lower Plains states.
