This training is for anyone interested in learning more about the organic regulations and how organic certification works. Participants gain specialized knowledge of organic regulations and certification, useful for farms interested in organic certification or practices (whether already certified or interested in transitioning), government agencies, non-profit organizations, technical service providers, or people interested in careers in organic certification.
To complete the full course, sign up for the online pre-requisite class, "Introduction to Organic Agriculture," and at least one in-person "Organic Regulations 101" class. Participants are welcome to take just the online class, but the in-person class is only available to people who have already completed the online class.
Online Class, "Introduction to Organic Agriculture"
Hosted by Vermont State University, $75
All participants in the in-person course(s) must first take the four short online classes offered by Vermont State University on the history and meaning of “organic” and general organic requirements. These online classes may take up to an hour each to complete (for a total of four hours) and include graded quizzes. Work at your own pace through these recorded modules, but they must be completed prior to the in-person session.
In-Person Class, "Organic Regulations 101"
Hosted by Vermont Organic Farmers, FREE
The in-person training is two to four days, depending on your area(s) of interest – two days are dedicated to crop production training and two days to livestock training. Participants may attend just the crops course, just the livestock course, or both.
The in-person courses include lectures, discussion groups, and field trips to a certified organic vegetable and livestock operation. The courses follow the format of the Vermont Organic Farmers Organic System Plan.
Organic Regulations 101 - Crops
Dates: October 14 & 15, 2024
Instructors: Jim Riddle and Joyce Ford
Farm Visit: Luna Bleu Farm, South Royalton
The instructors of the crop course, 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 Regulations 101 - Livestock
Dates: October 16 & 17, 2024
Instructor: Lisa McCrory
Farm Visit: Wayside Farm, Randolph Center
The instructor for the livestock course, Lisa McCrory, is a certified organic farmer and an organic inspector, and has worked and played in the organic world since the early 1990’s. Part of UVM’s Pasture Management Outreach Program (1992 -1995), Lisa assisted many producers in developing and managing successful grazing systems for all types of livestock. She worked for NOFA-VT from 1995 – 2010, providing on-farm technical assistance and organizing conferences & workshops to meet the needs of the growing number of organic livestock and dairy operations throughout the state. With a farm operation of her own, she focused on farming full time and raising a family for the next 10 years, and in 2021 she started working for VOF as an Independent Organic Inspector, and continues to farm with her 3 children, where they produce and market organic raw milk, dairy beef, garlic, vegetables, flowers, and herbs at Earthwise Farm & Forest in Bethel, VT.
Register for In-Person Class (one or both)
Funding provided by:
