Ioia/bcs Curso En Latinamerica
IOIA/BCS Curso en Latinamerica
Por Humberto González
Del 24 al 27 de Septiembre del 2007 fue realizado el Segunto
curso internacional para inspectors orgánicos organizado por
el IOIA/BCS, realizado Santiago, República Dominicana. Al
curso asistieron 17 profesionales, ingenieros agrónomos en
su mayoría y productores o encargados de actividades de
producción orgánica para la exportación de las empresas más
importantes relacionadas con el sector orgánico del país,
entre ellas, SAVID, CONACADO, PLANTACIONES DEL
NORTE, MELO, ASOBANO, BANELINO entre otros no
menos importantes.. En el curso se trató de resaltar la
importancia de la regulación nacional en el campo de la
producción orgánica como mecanismo de control y de
homogenización de criterios nacionales. Desde el punto de
vista de participación y de aprobación fue de gran éxito y
felicito a todos los participantes los cuales dieron un gran
Ecuador – Humberto and Luis were trainers
esfuerzo por compartir los conocimientos Durante el curso se
presentaron muchas oportunidades de discutir temas de
interés nacional y que están afectando los procesos de producción,
credibilidad y control de los sistemas de producción, lo cual no se
puede cambiar si no se cuentan con las herramientas técnicas y de
logística. Durante la práctica de inspección fue visitadas dos empresas
productoras de Banano Fresco para la exportación las cuales fueron
muy abiertas en cuanto a la atención y accesibilidad de la información.
Muchas gracias a todos.
IOIA/Eco-LOGICA Training, Costa Rica
One more time IOIA successfully co-sponsored with Costa Rican
Certifying Agency Eco-LOGICA an international Basic Organic Crop
Inspector Training, November 5 - 9, 2007. In this opportunity we had
participants from Puerto Rico, Honduras, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia,
Belize and obviously from Costa Rica. This course was directed by
IOIA trainer and former Chair Director Ing. Luis Brenes, with the
contribution in some themes by Eco-LOGICA’s staff Ing Guillermo
Saborío, Ing. Geovany Delgado, inspector and organic producer
Dominican Republic - Humberto was sole trainer
Phillipe Descamps, and in the logistic coordination of the training by
Luis Iglesias.
The vast expertise of the trainer was enriched by the cultural diversity and the interchange of experiences held by the participants.
Besides the tight and demanding agenda of the course, we all learned about the different realities of the organic movement,
governmental organization and production, throughout Latin
America.
During the course we get to visit an organic coffee farm and
two horticultural greenhouse farms, where the participants
could apply all the gained knowledge in developing their first
attempt on inspecting an organic farm.
Another happy group in Costa Rica
We share lots of knowledge and hard study work, but also funny
moments with great laughs were inevitable. We all made good
contacts and good friends, to share our passion for organic agriculture.
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 13
Organic Crop Inspection Training
Port Matilda, PA, USA
By Bill Stoneman ,McFarland, WI
Nov. 12 – Nov. 16, 2007
I started the week of training with high
expectations and ended the week with even
greater expectations of myself as an inspector
trainee and of organic crop production in general.
One of the keystones of learning the NOP and the
role of the inspector was the environment set by
the training team of IOIA board members. I’m
writing not only the beautiful retreat center
nestled in Penn’s Woods (Pennsylvania) where
the training was held but of the learning
atmosphere set for the training from the onset.
The outcomes of the training were clearly
delineated and the expectations of the trainers
well defined. The trainers were experienced
veteran inspectors and organic production The 26 participants in the IOIA/PCO Basic Crop Inspection Training, Trainers Garry Lean and
Luis Brenes, helper Margaret Dickson, and Margaret Scoles at St. Joseph Institute in PA.
consultants and taught with facts, good resource Garry, Luis, and Margaret Scoles served as group leaders on cold and rainy Day 4 of the
materials and anecdotal style.
course, just before the rain turned to heavy wet snow for the remainder of the event. Hosts for
I entered the training program with a lot of the field trip included Sabine Carey, one of the PCO inspectors. Luis said she worked hard to
experience in crop production practices and solid make the experience more challenging for their team. Another host was the Pennsylvania
State University Research Farm organic research plots.
natural resources, agronomy and soil science
education. That was a good basis, but now I feel equipped to do the job of an inspector under the National Organic Program
Standards. I now have a clear understanding of the role and expectations of the inspector and am looking forward to an apprenticeship
somewhere in the Midwest and being “the eyes, ears and nose of the NOP and certifying agencies” where ever I am called to inspect.
I clearly understand “the primary role of the inspector is to gather on-site information and provide an accurate report to the certifier.”
The organic farm inspection was a highlight of the week – the culmination of learning the process of inspecting. I have more to learn
yet through experience as an inspector, but the IOIA training program has given me a strong base and set the right direction.
Processor Training in Pennsylvania
By Monique Scholz
At the request of regional certifier PCO (Pennsylvania Certified
Organic), IOIA put on a 4.5 day Organic Basic Processor Inspection
That’s a BIG can
Training, in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania November 12-16. The
of sauce!
training was held at the St Joseph Institute, nestled in 250 acres of
Thanks to QAI for
snow dusted oak and maple woodlands.
helping
The lead trainer for this Organic Training was Monique Scholz
to arrange
from Québec, assisted by Stanley Edwards, from Idaho. Our valiant
the field trip.
ED, Margaret Scoles from Montana, was guest speaker for two
sessions. Amy Talarico, an inspector member from central
Pennsylvania, was an additional group leader. The course was
attended by 26 participants, including certifier staff from as far
away as Hawaii, active inspectors from across the US (and
Saskatchewan, Canada), and a number of food industry QC
managers keen to learn how to navigate and meet the NOP
requirements.
Despite the relatively large group size, a good working atmosphere
developed and there were many dynamic question and answer
sessions. The IOIA trainers continue to fine tune the OHP-based
learning activities. They also launched a new grading scheme,
taking pressure off the final report and exam, while crediting pre-
course work, homework, and some in-class assignments.
Two intense field trips were generously hosted two regional
facilities, the PARADISE VALLEY FEED MILL and FURMANO
FOODS. To make the most of travel time, bus transportation was
arranged. As always, participants were pleased to put their new skills to test and the pedagogical opportunities were very good.
Special thanks to Michael Campbell, of St Josephs Institute, for so readily accommodating our organic feed requirements (and other
special requests).
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 14
Basic Livestock Training in PA
Fourteen participants from as far away as Hawaii and Costa Rica
took the Basic Livestock Inspection course November 16-21
under the guidance of Trainer Garry Lean. The group included
inspectors, certifiers, and industry representatives. Al Johnson,
veteran inspector in the area, joined the group on Days 3 and 4 of
the course. Garry and Al guided their groups through mock
inspections at local dairy farms. Hubert Karreman, VDM, was
guest speaker on the topic of Organic Livestock Health.
Update on WFM Animal Welfare Training
Participants in the first Whole Foods Market 5 Step Animal
Welfare training in Austin Texas received this message on
November 28, during the recent NOSB meeting:
“We have taken your comments very seriously and Whole
Foods has dedicated significant resources to getting the
Livestock training attendees
Standards, Producer Guidance, Auditor Guidance and 5 Step
Animal Welfare Rating Program right before launching the program. This work is very close to completion and we are hoping to
publish the standards and launch a world class, global 5 Step Animal Welfare Program in early 2008.
“Margaret Wittenberg will be making a presentation at the NOSB meeting announcing that Whole Foods Markets will donate all of
this work to the Global Animal Partnership™, a new international non-profit animal welfare organization. The Global Animal
Partnership™ will be the keeper of the Standards and Guidance documents. The 5 Step Animal Welfare Rating Program™ will
provide verification oversight and, as before, will work with independent, third - party verification organizations and auditors to verify
compliance to the Global Animal Partnership™ Animal Welfare Standards.
“Thank you for your patience as we move the 5 Step Animal Welfare Program forward globally. We are very excited about the
opportunities that this program creates and you will be among the first to know when we formally launch the Global Animal
Partnership™ and the 5 Step Animal Welfare Rating Program™.”
USDA Certifier Training Open only to USDA-accredited certifiers, state agents
The USDA’s NOP will conduct certifier training on its regulations at three locations in 2008. The Accredited Certifiers Association
and the National Association of State Organic Programs will host a professional development training and other events in conjunction
with the Southern Sustainable Agricultural Working Group (SSAWG) conference in Louisville, KY, Jan. 14-16, 2008. As part of the
training events, the NOP will offer a free training to accredited certifiers on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a two-person limit
per agency. Contact NOP (202-72-3252) to register. The one-day professional development training for certification staff will be held
Jan. 15. Accomodations and additional info: www.accreditedcertifiers.org. A second session will be held at the BioFach Conference in
Nuremberg, Germany Feb. 20. The third session will be April 26 at the All Things Organic trade show in Chicago, Ill.
Mentoring Opportunity
John Njorge of Nairobi, Kenya participated in the Basic Crop Inspection, EU
Organic Regulation, and Advanced training courses in PA. John founded the Kenya
Institute of Organic Farming in 1987, and has been training farmers and
development agents through the Institute since then. He has authored books on
organic production. His participation in the PA trainings was sponsored by Dean’s
Beans Organic Coffee Company. Dean Cycon, president of the company, describes
John as ‘a tireless champion of organic farming’. John gave a brief presentation on
organic production in Kenya during the crop inspection course.
After returning to Kenya, John wrote IOIA to say, “It was wonderful for me to
attend the IOIA crop inspector’s training course. I learned a great deal and made
many friends. I was particularly happy to comprehend the NOP Standards and to
learn how to use these standards in crop inspection. The extra training on EU
organic Law (Comparison to NOP Standards) and the advanced IOIA Inspector’s
course were great eye openers for me. I am now back in Kenya and ready to start
reviewing the training. I am writing to thank you for everything and also all those
who participated as resource persons.”
John has joined IOIA. What’s next? He asks IOIA for help in identifying and
finding a mentor who would help him complete an apprenticeship in crop
inspection. He is willing to travel back to the USA to complete the apprenticeship,
if he can find a willing mentor and a place to stay while he completes 4-10
inspections.
If you are interested in mentoring John, his Email is kiof@iconnect.co.ke.
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 15
IOIA/OMRI/BCS
FDA definitions and
Advanced Organic Inspector
regulations. Central
Dr. Hubert Karreman visits with
inspector Christine Ouellet
Training
to the presentation
Submitted by Bob Howe, Trainer
was the conflict of
This training was held November 18th the FDA regulations
and 19th. The site for the training was a (under 21 CFR) and
Spa Resort named “St. Joseph’s Institute”,
the NOP regarding
in the northern Appalachian Mountains, in
ingredients,
Central Pennsylvania, a few miles from processing aids and
Penn State University. The site provided sanitizers, in terms of
ultimately comfortable accommodations allowing the use and
for the attendees who stayed on site and what has to be on the
meeting rooms that were very adequate label. This is a
and free from distraction. Food was very
technical subject with
good, nearly all organic, and much of it many unclear
donated.
imperatives, where
The training focused on three areas of the OFPA and NOP
auditing and inspection; Materials (in leave a final authority to the FDA and of the certification, but would not hesitate
general for all types of organic entities), where certifiers normally apply their own to medicate if the situation was serious
Livestock (emphasis on dairy animals) interpretations. Her presentation and the animal’s life and welfare would
and topics pertinent to organic handling.
explained how the scope of National List be at risk.
is limited by 21 CFR for Direct and He explained that the organic farmer, in
Materials
Secondary Direct Additives and GRAS, some cases, was more interested in
The Materials presentations included a and further confused by the exemptions maintaining the organic status of the herd.
half day titled “Inspecting Inputs for for Food Contact Substances and Indirect The economic effect of removing an
Organic Operations”; presented by Dr. Additives “as classified by FDA”. Those
animal to non-organic status, particularly
Brian Baker (founder and current in attendance came away with a much in the smaller herds, could be significant.
Research Director of OMRI) and Renee better understanding of the subject and the
The case is sometimes that the farmer will
Mann (Quality Systems Manager at problems that inspectors and certifiers are
delay treatment and/or use unproven
OMRI). The presentation covered the faced with.
remedies to cure a sick animal rather than
process by which brand materials are Emily provided examples in order to call in the Vet earlier. With non-organic
evaluated and added (or not) to the demonstrate. She also explained just how
herds, more often than not, the farmer will
“OMRI Products List”, including the an applicant for an additive and the FDA act more quickly to treat an illness.
parallel comparison to the work that go about having the additive listed as a Another concern was that many farmers
organic certifiers and inspectors do to Food Contact Substance (FCS) through do not quarantine a sick animal and the
verify a client for organic certification, the Food Contact Notification process sickness can spread through the herd. He
proving to be very similar. There are (FCN) and how this compares with the urged organic inspectors to look for these
opportunities for organic inspectors to apparently stricter NOP policy.
incidences and tell the farmer and, at a
become involved with OMRI through Through her presentation, she was clear minimum, make an appropriate comment
performing inspections for them.
that:
in the report.
This OMRI presentation also covered the ♦ Materials in direct contact with organic
Dr. Karreman talked about the livestock
technique of obtaining various types of
food should be on the National list for living conditions and cited NOP
materials samples and the procedures and
handling.
references. He emphasized that organic
documentation needed to maintain the ♦ NOP policy still stands but may be inspectors need to do more than just look
appropriate chain of command.
subject to further legal action
at the animals and the medical records.
Emily Brown Rosen presented the ♦ Certifiers may have different policies.
Inspectors must persist with questions
subject of “Organic Integrity and
about the treatment and feeding of the
Secondary Materials Issues”, alluding to Livestock
animals, particularly if/when the inspector
the grey area “additives” with reference to
Dr. Hubert Karreman, VMD, talked about
is concerned in any way about the
his experiences with the 80 herds of dairy
conditions.
Touring the Penn State
cattle under his care and his observations Dr. Karreman sees little change in a
composting operation
of other cattle during his travel through farmer’s methods and the way the farmer
the rural Lancaster countryside. Dr. manages the herd over time. This being
Karreman is the Chair of the NOSB the case, an organic inspector will
Livestock Committee. Dr. Karreman was probably experience the same. He
a herdsman at what was and is a recommended that the farmer needed to
recognized, humane farm. Particular keep records of calls made to
emphasis in his presentation was placed Veterinarians and the treatment they did
upon the organic dairy farm. He always on the farm. The best way, he said, was
avoids the use of methods and to for the farmer to provide a journal that
medications that would take an animal out
a Veterinarian would complete upon a
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 16
visit, including treatments made and
treatments recommended, even if the
Daron Tansley, IOIA Inspector member from
Vermont, playing his pennywhistle, which
farmer refused the treatment. He also
sounded great in the Appalachian Room.
talked about animal identification. In his
Listening intently are Margaret Dickson of
opinion, the tag on a neck chain was not
Ontario, John Njoroge of Kenya, and
acceptable because it can be lost or, an
Patricia Jimenez of Costa Rica.
unscrupulous farmer could switch the tag
to another animal if it would benefit him
or her.
It was clear that Dr. Karreman believed in
organic certification for dairy herds. It
was also clear that there were problems
for the animals as a result of organic
certification and that inspectors needed to
be more vigilant during their inspections.
Sarah Flack, of NOFA-VT Organic Dairy
and Livestock Technical Assistance and
inspector, provided information and
resources that an inspector can use to
determine the nutritional value of the
dairy rations being provided. Sarah’s
presentation included a listing of several
websites where data on harvest volumes
for various feed crops can be obtained, product profiles to demonstrate how the about the use of materials that are harmful
specific to regions, and websites where Excel form is used to generate the true to the environment; such as the sanitizers
conversions for dry matter and nutritional
percentage of organic ingredients in a (quats in particular) and pest control
value of feed can be obtained.
recipe (available with instructions at
chemicals that are contaminating the
http://www.onecert.net/).
ground and water in great quantities. He
Maarten Samsom discussed how expressed that his belief is that organic is
205.201(a)(3) is not always adhered to by
more than just compliance to the obvious
the certified entities and how adherence and pointed out references within the
can and does enhance and facilitate regulation that imply a holistic standard,
inspections. He also demonstrated how and inspectors and CB’s need to include
the level of compliance to the NOP is the effect on the environment when
improved when entities apply it. The text
auditing and reviewing the clients for
of the section is “A description of the certification.
monitoring practices and procedures to be
Bob Howe presented an overview of
performed and maintained, including the inspecting restaurants for organic
frequency with which they will be certification. The overview included the
performed, to verify that the plan is main areas of concern and what must be
effectively implemented.”
considered when performing a restaurant
Maarten explained that he begins an inspection. The presentation covered the
inspection by asking the client when they subjects of “certification Status”, “type of
Sam Welsch spoke about labeling
last monitored (performed an “internal menu”, “sources of supply”, “facility” and
issues pertinent to the ID of the
audit”) the effectiveness of their OHP. “audit trail”. [Read Bob’s article in full in the
‘handler’ and the ‘certifier’
He explained further that the clients seem
MembersOnly section, www.ioia.net] É
Dr. Gregg Martin talked about Poultry to welcome the opportunity as it is an
Health. Dr. Martin explained how an empowering activity, particularly for the
audit of poultry health was conducted QA person or other individual who has
with regard to living conditions of space little authority to enforce the OHP
provided, bedding, food, water, and light otherwise.
and outside access. He compared types of
Additionally, Maarten queried the group
confinement and moveable pasture, to ascertain the reasons why people were
explaining the potential for parasites and attending the training and why they were
transfer of disease from passing bird involved in the organic movement. The
populations.
greatest number stated that they were
trying to have a positive impact on the
Handling
environment, second was the belief that
Sam Welsch, Director of One Cert, organic food is better in terms of nutrition
presented the One Cert Product Profile and food safety. With that information,
format. Sam showed examples of several
Bob Howe presents on
Maarten briefly expressed his concerns
organic restaurant certification
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 17
IOIA and BCS Cosponsor First
cosmetics will still be
EU Regulation Training
excluded from
By Margaret Scoles
certification.
Fischer explained the
import process into the
Tobias Fischer of BCS Öko-Garantie Bio and
EU. Exporters
from
IOIA presented a one-day training the countries on the third
European Organic Regulations (EEC 2092/91)
country list are not
to a packed audience of nearly 40 participants
required to get import
on Nov. 17. The session preceded the authorization , however,
Advanced Training at St. Joseph Institute in
the import certificate
rural PA. Fischer, in the US for only the (also transaction
second time of his life but an experienced certificate) is mandatory
trainer, was undaunted by the large and diverse
for
exports from any
group. He broke the presentation periodically
country outside of the
with mini-workshops where experienced EU. He provided a gap
inspectors, certifiers, and those who had just
analysis of the NOP vs.
attended their first basic training days earlier
EU and ended with a
grappled with practical application of the quick summary of
standards.
GLOBALGAP, the currently re-named which
gray as to defining separate production
The scope of the current EU reg is limited to
replaces EurepGAP. The session ended with a
units.
unprocessed agriculture crop/livestock handout-- a summary of the differences ♦ Chilean (sodium) nitrate is prohibited. The
products (including mushrooms and between NOP and EU. This resource was
NOP allows it with an annotation.
beekeeping), processed agricultural crops and
prepared by Sam Welsch for the Advanced
♦ All input lists are positive lists, where an
livestock products intended for human training held earlier this year in Encinitas. It is
input must be on the list before it can be
consumption, and feedstuffs for livestock. As
available upon request from IOIA to Inspector
used. Ingredients are strictly regulated but
an example, medicinal plants can be certified,
members.
inputs allowed on organic products (i.e.
but not medicines, as they are not considered
when cleaning or washing) are not
‘for consumption’. Fresh Flowers and fresh A few key differences in the EU regulation:
regulated. That will change with the new
tobacco can be certified but not flower
♦ The conversion period for crops is 2 years
regulation.
bouquets or cigarettes. Similar to the NOP,
before sowing, grassland: 2 years before
♦ There are no exemptions (such as the
aquaculture, forestry, cosmetics, and clothing
harvesting and perennials: 3 years before
<$5000 NOP exemption). Everyone,
are beyond the scope of the current European
first harvest. Conversion period begins
including those who simply buy and sell
regulation. However, organic references or
when the certification agency is informed
or store , must be certified.
private organic labels (no official organic
and the first inspection is on its way.
labels are allowed) on these products might be
♦ Inerts are not regulated in crop and
♦ Processed products between 70% and 95%
seen, because they are not regulated. Those
livestock pest control materials.
must show the precise percentage.
products cannot identify the certifier or bear
♦ Allowed ingredients lists differ.
Percentage is calculated as the percentage
the EU seal. Unlike the NOP, the EU
Processing inputs allowed by NOP but not
of organic agricultural ingredients of the
regulation protects both the terms ‘organic’
by EU are hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and
total weight/volume of agricultural
and ‘bio’ even to the point of oversight of
others.
ingredients, which is very different from
products where a consumer would reasonably
♦ Significant differences exist in organic
NOP.
perceive them as ‘organic’ from the label.
livestock regulations, including the
♦ Only products > 95% produced in the EU
Both the current regulation and the new (EC
allowance of antibiotics and some non-
may display the EU seal.
834/2007), which will replace EEC 2092/91,
organic feed. Stocking densities are
were addressed. EEC 2092/91 has been revised
♦ Factory farming manure is prohibited.
prescribed.
more than 40 times. The new regulation began
Tobias explained that poultry manure is
♦ Composting is not defined.
with a plan to simplify the document in June
the only manure input that is scrutinized
There are more similarities than differences,
2004. EC 834/2007 was passed June 28, 2007,
by the import authority. After spirited including a permitted ingredient list for non-
but the annexes have not yet been released.
discussion about the definition of ‘factory
organic ingredients (similar to NOP 205.606).
Implementation is still uncertain. The EU
farming’, he gently but firmly took the The EU has published a guidance document
Commission announced that it expected to
group back to the real-world. He reminded
for certification of CGGs (‘group of small
announce rules and lists by the end of 2007.
them that other manure is not scrutinized.
scale producers’ in EU language). Group
The new regulation has a broader focus on
It was good to have a black and white certification is generally not allowed in
environmental quality. The principles make
answer for this general gray area.
developed countries, but in Germany some
excellent, inspirational reading. An important
♦ Parallel production is prohibited. Fischer federal authorities allow a similar approach for
change is the allowance for certification of
clarified the definition of ‘visually the inspection/certification of small scale fruit
wine, yeast, and aquaculture (but not wild
distinguishable’. In common terms, it growers.
caught fish). Another is the elimination of the
means that a child off the street can tell the
70% to 95% category. A significant change
difference. It is interpreted by some It was 2001 in Canada when IOIA last
will be the establishment of a central approval
European authorities so strictly that they sponsored such a training. Silke Fuchshofen of
(accreditation) system for certifiers. None
will not allow organic wheat and non-
BCS’s US office in New York first brought the
currently exists.
The EU seal will be
organic rye on the same farm . ‘Separate
idea for this one to IOIA. The enthusiastic
mandatory, although certifier seals may
units’ means legally separate (separate response from participants underscores the
accompany it. Imported organic products
deeds), so apparently companies often scarcity of such training. Fischer is responsible
labeled with the EU seal will have to be
create a separate company for organic. for coordinating BCS offices in Central and
labeled as ‘Non-EU-Agriculture’. Textiles and
Unfortunately, even after the mini-
South America and Africa. His training is in
workshop, this area still stayed somewhat
horticulture, specializing in [see EU, page 4]
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 18
MINUTE HIGHLIGHTS
supporting certification agency dues from $250/yr to $275/yr for 2008.
BOD Ex-Comm Conference Call - July 26 2007
All in favor. Motion adopted.
BOD retreat The BOD planned the BOD Retreat in Broadus.
Present: David Konrad, Bob Durst, Garry Lean (Chair), Gene
Prochaska, Monique Scholz and Margaret Scoles.
Fundraising: Dave shared that Elizabeth Franklin had sent him an
Email of a draft fundraising letter. He added that to do effective
Financial Audit Moved by Gene, seconded by Bob, to proceed
fundraising, we need to be able to communicate clearly what it is we
with audit by Colin Presizniuk. Motion adopted. It was agreed that
want to be.
sample transactions from 2004 -2005 would only be audited if
BOD Conference Call – October 11 2007
significant issues are encountered in the audit of 2006.
Present: Sue Baird (non-voting alternate), Erin Beard (alternate for
Processor training discussion Info about Samsom & Associates
Maheswar Ghimire), Bob Durst, David Konrad, Garry Lean (Chair),
Processor Training had circulated by email. Role of Margaret and
Gene Prochaska, Monique Scholz and Margaret Scoles (ED). Catherine
Monique clarified. Use of IOIA materials was discussed. It was
Cash present by phone.
decided that if material is used, IOIA should be paid on a per-
ED report of Non-profit conference Margaret emphasized low cost
participant basis, in addition to receiving credit. Margaret and
to IOIA; found event very motivating and gained a lot of ‘professional
Monique to refer to Editorial Review Board for guidance.
development’. Attended session for executive directors. Learned that
BOD Conference Call - August 16 2007
many BODs have ‘job descriptions’ for Board members. Found exercise
Present: Erin Beard (as alternate in place of David Konrad), Bob
of ED profile (ideas people) validating. Helpful sessions about business
Durst, Maheswar Ghimire, Garry Lean (Chair), Gene Prochaska,
planning, non-profit financing. Our organization is actually self-
Catherine Cash, Monique Scholz and Margaret Scoles.
financing to 98%, which is unusual for non-profits. Job descriptions for
Treasurer Report BOD members had received treasurer’s report,
BOD: three aspects: funding raising, governance and policy. BOD self
income/revenue statement, budget projections and dues chart by email.
evaluation is important (in our retreat program). New books for IOIA
Treasurer presented highlights: explanation of deficit, upcoming audit
from the conference: Mission Based Management, and Good to Great
schedule, and the need to tackle the issue of financial stability at the
and the Social Sector.
upcoming BOD retreat. Gene is hopeful that the auditors' report will be
Action point: BOD member job description (generic, not position
ready for the retreat and will lead to development of an audit policy (by
specific). Refer to what is already in Policy Manual.
the finance committee). After some discussion about dues, further
IOIA Name Change Dave reports on progress in putting ballot
discussion and decision were deferred to next meeting.
together. He contacted Arthur Harvey (bylaws chair).
Action Points:
Motion: To propose by- law amendment to replace the word
Finance Committee to develop audit policy AFTER audit report
Independent by the word International in the name of our
rec'd.
association. By Dave, seconded by Catherine. Passed unanimously.
BOD must decide 2008 dues at the September meeting (in time for
Discussion: alternatively: Independent Organic Inspectors Associa-
October).
tion International.
Financial stability is a key issue for discussion at BOD retreat.
Action Point: Possibility to add by-line under name, to cover the
Validate decision to go ahead with retreat on Pennsylvania independent (third party) auditing aspect. This does not have to be
registration deadline (Sept. 24).
part of bylaws. Give by-line options to membership. Invite their
Re-visit personnel policy to ensure that pay increases are adequately
suggestions. Consensus to proceed this way.
addressed there-in.
Membership Committee chair Motion by Bob, seconded by
Moved by Bob, seconded by Catherine, to accept the treasurer reports.
Erin, to appoint Kelly Monaghan as chair of Membership Commit-
Motion adopted.
tee. Approved unanimously.
Action Points:
Accreditation Committee chair Monique as liaison person reports
ED will send TRAINING report by email.
resignation of McKeon, Grealy and Greenberg.
BOD kindly review proposed MEMBERSHIP SURVEY (prepared
CGGs: Margaret reports that Luis expressed a widespread
by Membership Committee) and send comments to BOD liaison Bob.
dissatisfaction with the current NOSB position on CGGs. Luis
The Committee is targeting an October 01 release date.
briefed Margaret on how to get IOIA on speaking roster. Discussion
BOD requests that Committee include questions about training costs.
deferred to post retreat meeting.
BOD Conference Call - September 13 2007
BOD Conference Call – October 14 2007
Present: Sue Baird, Bob Durst, Maheswar Ghimire, Garry Lean
Present: Sue Baird (alternate for Catherine Cash), Erin Beard
(Chair), Gene Prochaska, and Margaret Scoles. David Konrad joined the
(alternate for Maheswar Ghimire), Bob Durst, David Konrad, Garry
call at 8:25. Monique Scholz and Catherine Cash were unable to
Lean (Chair), Gene Prochaska, Monique Scholz & Margaret Scoles.
participate. Sue, as 2nd Alternate, was recognized as a voting member
Retreat go-around - Bill Milton requested comments on what could
for the meeting. In absence of Secretary Scholz, Margaret Scoles took
minutes.
have been better, what was good in the PROCESS.
2008 Membership Dues Garry asks BOD to look at table provided in
Action Points:
2nd Quarter Treasurer’s Report and asked if Gene, as Treasurer, had a
Garry will transmit this feedback to Bill.
recommendation for 2008 Inspector dues.
Margaret: Mission Based Management book copy to all BOD
Gene reminded the BOD that costs are going up and we are in a tight
members.
situation financially. He recommended an increase to $150/yr dues,
Facilitator a must for retreats: advise future BOD of this.
noting that we need the results of the upcoming membership survey.
Monique with Erin: BOD retreat report with photos, for Nov 08
Moved by Sue, seconded by Bob, to increase Inspector dues from
as it would appear in newsletter.
$125/yr to $150/yr. All in favor. Motion adopted.
Discussion continued, focusing on Supporting Certification Agency
Note from Nov 8 meeting (not yet approved) minutes - the BOD
dues. These have been at $250/yr since IOIA was founded. The BOD
allocated $1000 in the 2008 budget toward assisting
expressed interest in exploring ways to increase participation in this
category. IOIA provides the same service to smaller certification
participation by IOIA members from Latin America to attend
agencies as larger ones. Some certification agencies belong to IOIA but
the AGM and Advanced training.
are only represented in the Supporting Business or Supporting
Individual category. Moved by Sue, seconded by Gene, to increase
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 19
GMO NEWS
Syngenta is one of Brazil's top agrochemical
from this plant were diploid with high
Brazil's Landless Peasants
retailers, and a leading researcher into GM
pollen viability and 22 had the transgene
crops.
(1:1 segregation). These observations
Occupy Syngenta Plants
Source: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/
confirm the persistence of the HR trait over
Hundreds of activists broke into a Swiss-
10/22/ap4245254.html; Reuters, Dec 10 2007
time. Persistence occurred over a 6-year
owned Syngenta agrochemical plant in the
period, in the absence of herbicide selection
state of Sao Paulo on December 10, USDA Announces Plan to
pressure (with the exception of possible
expelling 50 employees and shutting down
Improve QC of GM Products
exposure to glyphosate in 2002), and in
production, a company spokeswoman told
On September 20, 2007, Acting US spite of the fitness cost associated with
Reuters.
Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner hybridization.
Members of the Landless Rural Workers'
announced a new program to help Source: Molecular Ecology 2007 Oct 29 2007;
Movement, or MST, and the allied group
universities, small businesses, and large http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs
Via Campesina also destroyed genetically-
companies develop sound management /10.1111/j.1365-294X.2007.03567.x
modified corn and soy seedlings at a practices to enhance compliance with Correspondence: Dr Suzanne Warwick.
Syngenta farm in the northeastern state of
regulatory requirements for field trials and
Fax: (+01) 613 759-1701;
Ceara, the groups said.
movements of genetically engineered (GE)
E-mail: warwicks@agr.gc.ca
The groups demand Syngenta leave Brazil,
organisms. The new Biotechnology Quality
accusing the company of attacking landless
Management System, a voluntary Bt Crops Threaten Aquatic
workers and violating environmental laws.
compliance assistance program, is scheduled
Ecosystems
One farmer activist opposed to the farm's
for initial implementation in spring 2008.
Scientists find wastes from transgenic Bt
work with genetically modified (GM) seeds
Full article at:
corn impair growth of common aquatic
died and a security guard were killed in a
http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2007/news07.no
insect and call on future risk assessment to
clash on October 21 at the 304-acre farm
v.htm#nov0701
include aquatic ecosystems previously over-
owned by Syngenta AG. Four activists and
looked.
four security guards were also injured by the
Do Escaped Transgenes
In 2006, 35% of the 33.1 million hectares of
gunfire, according to Agencia Brasil, the
Persist in Nature?
the corn planted in the US was transgenic,
country's official news agency.
The case of an herbicide resistance transgene
modified to express the Bt toxin Cry1Ab
The MST said the farm illegally produced
in a weedy Brassica rapa population
from Bacillus thuringiensis. Bt corn is
genetically modified crops within an Abstract
widely planted in the Midwestern US, often
environmental protection zone around the
The existence of transgenic hybrids next to headwater streams. Yet, no environ-
internationally-acclaimed Iguacu water falls.
resulting from transgene escape from gene-
mental impact studies have been made of Bt
Syngenta, the world's largest agrochemical
tically modified (GM) crops to wild or crop by-products on stream insects such as
company, said in a statement that it was
weedy relatives is well documented but the
caddisflies (trichopterans), which are
dismayed by the occupations and that it had
fate of the transgene over time in recipient
common in streams, and closely related to
no participation in the October death.
wild species populations is still relatively
the lepidopterans (butterflies and moths)
The company said it was awaiting a decision
unknown. This is the first report of the
targeted by the Cry1Ab protein in Bt corn.
from public prosecutors based on police
persistence and apparent introgression, i.e.
As a group, the caddisflies have diverse
investigations into the shooting of Valmir
stable incorporation of genes from one feeding habits. Some are filter - feeders,
Mota de Oliveira. Activists accused private
differentiated gene pool into another, of an
others scrape biofilms off submerged
security guards at the farm for shooting
herbicide resistance transgene from Brassica
surfaces, and still others feed on detritus. All
Oliveira.
napus into the gene pool of its weedy these caddisflies may consume Bt corn by-
Three hundred Via Campesina activists first
relative, Brassica rapa, monitored under products.
invaded the farm in March 2006, breaking
natural commercial field conditions. Hybrid-
A team of scientists led by Emma J. Rosi-
down the gates and setting up tents to ization between glyphosate-resistant [herbi-
Marshall at Loyola University in Chicago
publicize their claim that research there into
cide resistance (HR)] B. napus and B. rapa
Illinois have now carried out the first study
GM soy and corn is illegal.
was first observed at two Québec sites, Ste
on the fate of transgenic Bt corn wastes in
Syngenta won a court order in July to expel
Agathe and St Henri, in 2001. B. rapa headwater streams next to the fields and
them. The company, Schoen-maeckers said,
populations at these two locations were their impact on the caddisflies.
"never did anything wrong or illegal in monitored in 2002, 2003 and 2005 for the In laboratory trials, leaf-shredding
Brazil." Parana's state government has also
presence of hybrids and transgene persist-
trichopteran Lepidostoma liba fed Bt corn
tried to confiscate the farm, saying ence. Hybrid numbers decreased over the 3-
litter had less than half the growth rate of
Syngenta's research is illegal and that the
year period, from 85 out of 200 plants controls fed non Bt corn litter; while 43% of
property should be transformed into an surveyed in 2002 to only five out of 200 Helicopsyche borealis, an algal-scraping
educational center for environment-friendly
plants in 2005 (St Henri site). Most hybrids
trichopteran, died when fed high
agriculture.
had the HR trait, reduced male fertility,
concentrations of Bt corn pollen (2 to 3
Brazil allows research into GM seeds and
intermediate genome structure, and presence
times the maximum input expected during
the use of the seeds for some crops, but their
of both species-specific amplified fragment
Bt corn pollen-shed) compared with 18%
use is opposed by groups like Via length polymorphism markers. Both F1 and mortality in controls fed non Bt corn pollen.
Campesina and some government officials,
backcross hybrid generations were detected.
In the field, 50% of filtering caddisflies
particularly those in Parana, which borders
One introgressed individual, i.e. with the
collected during pollen-shed had pollen
Argentina and Paraguay. The state HR trait and diploid ploidy level of B. rapa, grains in their gut and detritus-feeding
government there recently banned the use of
was observed in 2005. The latter had trichopterans were found in the
GM corn seeds by farmers.
reduced pollen viability but produced 480
accumulations of decomposing corn litter.
seeds. Forty-eight of the 50 progeny grown
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 20
Resources
Farm Bill Food Battle This youTube
video presents Farm Bill issues in an Country Of Origin: Should You Know
Organic farming data: The September engaging, accessible manner. Free Range Before You Buy ???
issue of Amber Waves published by Studios, along with Vera Cherilov, Anna http://www.agmatters.net/attachments/
USDA's Economic Research Service, Lappé, and a number of terrific sponsors Country_Of_Origin.doc
includes an article by Catherine Greene
and farm bill consultants have worked
on the expansion of international and U.S.
together to create this resource. The Disaster Readiness and Recovery: Legal
organic farming.
National Campaign Farm Bill Hero Considerations for Organic Farmers
http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/
Campaign is featured as the link in the
Natural disasters pose a significant threat
September07/DataFeature/
"Learn More" section of the heading to all farmers, but organic farmers
entitled: "Demand a Fair Farm Bill". affected by natural disaster have particular
ERS Posts an Info-Packed "Organic http://foodbattle.org/
concerns. To address these concerns,
Briefing Room" USDA's Economic Re-
Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc.
search Service posted on August 22nd a
New Guide – IPM This guide updates
(FLAG) has written a new article which
useful "Organic Briefing Room" that TB 82-6, Biological Control of Insects, focuses on aspects of federal disaster
provides easy access to dozens of USDA
and provides a representative sample of
assistance that are of particular relevance
reports and data sets. Highlights include
Library of Congress titles on the control
for organic farmers. www.flaginc.org
detailed statistics on organic crop and of agricultural pests. Not intended as a
livestock production by state through comprehensive bibliography, this compil-
A Growing Movement: A Decade of
2005, organic wholesale and farmgate ation is designed—as the name of the Farm to School in California Farm to
prices, and the milk production costs and
series implies—to put the reader "on school programs were initiated a decade
return survey that included a large sample
target."
ago in California and have been growing
of organic dairies.
www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/tracer-bullets/
ever since. The Center for Food and
www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Organic/
pestmanagementtb.html
Justice tells the story of how these
programs evolved and tracks their impact
USDA's Economic Research Service has
on students, farmers, and communities
posted new information on procurement
throughout the state. Steady progress in
practices and use of contracts by certified
increasing crop yields and animal pro-
organic handlers (packers, shippers,
duction levels has often been achieved at
manufacturers, processors, brokers, and
the expense of food nutritional quality, the
distributors). The interactive data contain
environment, and in some cases, food
select results from the 2004 Nationwide
safety and animal health.
Survey of Organic Manufacturers, Proces-
http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/
sors, and Distributors. Procurement infor-
publications/a_growing_movement.pdf
mation includes basic characteristics of
organic handlers, their purchasing prac-
tices, and their relationship with suppliers,
Still No Free Lunch: Nutrient levels in
including important supplier attributes.
U.S. food supply eroded by pursuit of
Contracting information includes the use
high yields This "Critical Issue Report"
of written and verbal contracts between
from Brian Halweil at the Worldwatch
organic handlers and their suppliers.
Institute documents the extent of nutrient
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/
decline, reviews ways that farmers and
OrganicHandlers/
breeders can increase nutrient density, and
explains the importance of doing so in
King Corn is a feature documentary about
Farm to Hospital: Supporting Local order to improve public health.
two friends, one acre of corn, and the
Agriculture and Improving Health Care
http://www.organic-center.org/science.
subsidized crop that drives our fast-food
Direct sales from farmers to hospital food
latest.php?action=view&report_id=115
nation. Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, best
service departments are helping ill people
friends from college on the east coast, eat better and recover faster. This six-page
move to the heartland to learn where their
brochure from the Community Food "Handbook of Organic Food Safety and
food comes from. With the help of Security Coalition and the Center for Quality" Released Woodhead Publishing
friendly neighbors, genetically modified Food & Justice (CFJ) at Occidental Col-
has released the long-awaited, 521-page,
seeds, and powerful herbicides, they plant
lege addresses the ins and outs of deve-
23-chapter volume on organic food qua-
and grow a bumper crop of America's loping partnerships between hospitals and lity and safety. European authors wrote 20
most-productive, most-subsidized grain local farms, looks at ways hospitals can of the chapters, two were by U.S.
on one acre of Iowa soil. But when they
improve the food they offer, tells how
scientists, including The Organic Center's
try to follow their pile of corn into the
farmers can effectively market to hospi-
Chief Scientist Chuck Benbrook, and one
food system, what they find raises tals, and provides case studies of chapter was by a Canadian team. The
troubling questions about how we eat—
successful efforts.
Center has posted a brief overview, the
and how we farm. www.kingcorn.net/
http://www.foodsecurity.org/
Table of Contents, and information on
F2H_Brochure.pdf.
ordering.
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 21
IOIA’s Position on CGG’s
IOIA agrees that multi-site operations the future that all growers must use exactly
Two excerpts from NOSB comments, presented
certification deserves a thorough analysis
the same inputs and perform exactly the
by IOIA Chair Garry Lean in Washington, DC
and discussion. IOIA requests, as many same practices. This approach will not be
on November 28. Thank you also to Luis
other organizations have, that the NOSB
consistent with the organic principles that
Brenes for the large amount of time he spent
keep the two topics separate.
demand site-specific approaches to maintain
on this project.
and improve soil fertility, minimize soil
The Organic Trade Association—OTA, the
erosion and prevent phytosanitary problems.
Based on inspectors’ experience and the
International Federation of Organic The organic system plan needs to be the
NOP record, IOIA’s position is that grower
Agriculture Movements—IFOAM, the same for all farmers but allow for sufficient
group certification does not constitute any
Accredited Certifiers Association—ACA, diversity in order to be adapted to site-
higher risk than other inspected operations.
the National Association of State Organic
specific conditions. If not, farmers will
It is simply a different inspection scenario
Programs—NASOP, and the National probably use approved inputs but use them
with its own particular characteristics and
Organic Coalition—NOC, have all submit-
in a way that is not consistent with
challenges. Certified grower groups do not
ted public comments. These organizations,
205.203(a) and 205.206 items (a) through
represent a sector with a higher proportion
representing a wide range of interests in the
(d).
of non-compliances or more cases of United States and abroad, have presented
b) A maximum gross income of $5000
revoked products.
comments with a high level of agreement
over which a grower cannot be part of the
and few differences. IOIA sees this as group. As the limited access to certification
That said, the 2006 NOP summary of evidence that grower group certification has
that most small growers experience is not
appeals (administrative ruling process) did
not been under loose or no control simply
only related to financial reasons, but also to
identify one case of a grower group that
because it was not specifically regulated in
cultural, social, language and written
raised questions about the procedures and
the federal rule. The level of consistency of
communication limitations, we suggest that
criteria for grower group certification.
comments received reflects that the organic
growers over that amount can still be
sector has been able to self-regulate this area
certified as part of the certified entity if they
The ruling process specifically questioned:
throughout the years, by discussing and are inspected annually by the accredited
a) the sampling procedure by which the
improving the criteria and guidelines. The
certifier.
certifier inspects part of the fields that three international workshops sponsored by
c) The requirement that growers cannot
belong to the group as a tool to verify the
IFOAM in 2001, 2002 and 2003 contributed
sell their organic products outside the group.
internal control system, and
to this voluntary standardization of the We suggest, for the sake of clarity, to add
b) the qualifications, conflict of interest
practices and procedures.
“certified” organic products. Otherwise, the
avoidance, and regular evaluations of the
IOIA agrees with the NOC comment that
requirement would discourage the produc-
internal inspectors who belong to the grower group certification must be a tion and sales of other non-certified organic
internal control system.
separate and specific category of goods that growers produce.
accreditation. Certifiers would need to be
d) The requirement that every grower has
IOIA believes these two main concerns can
evaluated in terms of competence in this
a copy of NOP standards.
be dealt with, within the present structure. It
category.
Even if it is provided in their language (and
would be a mistake to consider that grower
NOP standards have not been translated yet
group certification is merely a compromise
IOIA does not support the replacement of
to all languages included in the great
to help poor small farmers, in the US or in
the NOSB 2002 “Criteria for Certification
diversity of existing grower groups) we
developing countries, OR to accept that the
of Grower Groups” with the recent proposal
know from our experience as inspectors that
organic labeling for their products is less
of its Certification, Accreditation, and it will not be really meaningful nor
meaningful or of diminished value. IOIA
Compliance Committee on Multi-Site contribute to the organic integrity. We be-
believes grower groups represent a diverse
Operations Certification. IOIA proposes the
lieve more in setting a strict standard that
reality and, as such, require and deserve
NOSB review its current policy (2002) to
requires adequate grower training, not only
creative, effective, and rigorous inspection
address the two main issues raised by the
on organic practices but also on organic
requirements in order to maintain organic
NOP ruling process.
standards and certification. Such training
integrity.
needs to be tied to the distribution of an
We believe ACA´s, NOC´s and OCIA´s internal rule that adapts, summarizes and
The NOSB´s Certification, Accreditation, proposed amendments address these main
translates in proper language and com-
and Compliance Committee (CACC) issued
issues. We agree on the need to have a
munication media the aspects of the NOP
a recommendation in early October for the
working definition for “production unit”, the
federal rule that are applicable to the
NOSB BOD to review at this November
need to inspect all production units of a
group´s particular conditions.
meeting. This recommendation broadens the
group every year, and the need to do a
e) The requirement that internal
concept of grower groups to include other
sample audit of sites based on a risk supervisors meet the same requirements as
types of multi-site operations like handlers
assessment conducted for each group.
organic inspectors as defined in 7 CFR
and retailers. However, it does not fully
IOIA offers the following additional 205.501. Requirements for accredited
address the two main issues brought up in
comments (to points as outlined in the NOC
certifiers staff and inspectors are not all
the NOP ruling process. In addition, this
comment re. Grower Groups 10-16-07) applicable to internal supervisors. As a
CACC recommendation had a minority related to:
matter of fact, some of them will be
opinion report.
a) The requirement that all growers in the
completely incompatible due to the intrinsic
group have same production practices, condition that internal supervisors work for
Concerns have been voiced about this including the use of same inputs. We and/or belong to the certified entity. This is
recommendation and there appears to be
suggest replacing it with “similar” rather
covered in the regulation in 205.501(a)(11)
substantial support for the minority opinion.
than “same” as it might be misinterpreted in
items (ii), (iii) and (v).
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 22
INDEPENDENT ORGANIC INSPECTORS ASSOCIATION
IOIA has several publications for sale. Order here or through our website, www.ioia.net.
Please add 15% for Shipping and Handling.
Farming with the Wild: Enhancing Biodiversity on Farms and Ranches; Written by
Daniel Imhoff, Watershed Media, 182 p.; 2003; $20.00
Organic Dairy Farming, Edited by Jody Padham, Community Conservation, Project
coordinated by MOSES, 156 p.; 2006; $15.00
Building Soils for Better Crops (2nd Edition), by Fred Magdoff and Harold Van Es. 240
pp. $20
COG Organic Field Crop Handbook, 2nd Edition, Expanded and Rewritten. Published by
Canadian Organic Growers. An invaluable resource. While preserving the best of the now
out-of-print and no longer available first edition, this edition is updated to include info on
GMO’s, E. coli issues in manure, and many additions to the crop section. 222 pages,
spiral bound, $30.00.
Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 2nd Edition, published by Sust. Ag Network, $19.00
Organic Livestock Handbook, published by Canadian Organic Growers. Edited by Anne
Macey, 179 pp, spiral bound, $30.00
Organic Tree Fruit Management, published by COABC, 240 pages, $30.00
Steel in the Field, published by Sustainable Ag Network, 128 pages, $18.00
Introduction to Certified Organic Farming. Published by REAP Canada, 200 pg. 25.00
100% Organic Cotton Caps! See our Caps in the Books & Goods section of our website www.ioia.net
Color choice of black, stone (off-white), khaki, forest Green, navy
IOIA Caps - $20.00 – Please specify color 1st choice__________2nd Choice__________
IOIA Sew-On Patch - $7.00 OR 3/$20 OR 5/$30
Print or Type, Mail to IOIA, PO Box 6,
Broadus, MT 59317-0006
I
AM INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING:
Name_______________________________________________
IOIA Membership Application
Please specify category – all funds payable in US
$ - All dues are annual
Address _____________________________________________
Inspector - $150
Phone __________________ Fax _______________________
Supporting Individual - $100
Business/Organization $125
Email______________________________________________
Certifying Agency - $275
Patron - $500
Check Enclosed – Total Amount $ ____________
Sustainer - $1000
Visa Mastercard
The Inspectors’ Report – 4 issues/yr - $30
Account # ________________________________________
2007 IOIA Membership Directory:
$15 members $25 non-members
Signature ________________________________________
IFOAM/IOIA Int’l Organic Inspection Manual:
$45 members $60 non-members
Exp. Date ________________
THE INSPECTORS’ REPORT/WINTER 2008/PAGE 23
2008 Calendar
Ongoing through May 13 The CCOF February 1 - 3 7th annual Texas Conference
(MOSES), LaCrosse, WI. 130 exhibitors, over
Foundation’s Going Organic project launches
On Organic Production Systems - “Nourish-
60 workshops. www.mosesorganic.org/
its fall and winter season packed with over 20
ing agriCULTURE”, College Station, TX.
educational trainings throughout California. Call (979) 836-3135 for more info. Register
February 21 Pre-Conference Organic
For info, contact Fred Thomas at:
before Dec. 31st and save! www.tofga.org
University, LaCrosse, WI. Features intensive
fred@ccof.org or go to:
day-long sessions on specific topics in organic
www.ccof.org/goingorganic.php
Feb 2 - 4 PASA's 17th annual Farming for the
agriculture. A majority of Organic University
Future Conference, Penn Stater Conference
presenters are organic farmers. Spend an entire
January 12 "Grow Your Own Nitrogen"
Center, State College, PA.
day exploring topics specific to organic
Workshop Utilizing Cover Crops, Lincoln,
Visit www.pasafarming.org for more details.
systems. www.mosesorganic.org/
Nebraska. This workshop discusses sustainable
agriculture with application for organic sys-
February 8 - 9 Northern Plains Sustainable
February 22-26 2008 IOIA/HOFA Basic
tems. Learn about the effects of flaming on
Ag 29th Annual Winter Conference, Seven
Crop Inspection training, HI. See page 3.
weeds and crops.
Seas, Mandan, North Dakota. John Doran,
www.nerec.unl.edu/nitrogenworkshop.shtml
Professor Emeritus at the University of February 24 – 26 California Small Farm
Nebraska and Fred L. Kirschenmann, Distin-
Conference, Visalia, CA. “Growing Oppor-
January 16 - 19 Practical Tools and Solutions
guished Fellow for the Leopold Center for
tunities” www.californiafarmconference.com
for Sustaining Family Farms Conference, Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State
Louisville, Kentucky. Southern Sustainable University will be the keynote speakers.
Feb 29 – March 2 COABC Conference &
Agriculture Working Group presents its annual
www.npsas.org/
AGM 2008. Mary Winspear Centre at
conference, featuring Pre-conference Intensive
Sanscha, Sidney, B.C.
Courses, Field Trips, 64 Conference Sessions,
February 9 - 12 USCC 16th Annual Confer-
http://www.certifiedorganic.bc.ca/AGM2008/i
Taste of Kentucky Dinner, Wendell Berry,
ence and Exhibition, Oakland, CA. Join us for
ndex.htm
Joel Salatin and much more. www.ssawg.org/
the Largest Conference & Exhibition in North
America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
January 18 – 19 Minnesota Organic
March 2 IOIA AGM, Guatemala. See page 3.
Conference, St. Cloud, MN. Workshops, trade
Organics Recycling Industry.
show, discussions. Info and registration at
www.compostingcouncil.org/index.cfm
March 6 – 8 The 8th ACORN Organic
www.mda.state.mn.us/food/organic or call
Conference and Trade Show, Memramcook,
651-201-6012.
February 14 - 15 5th Organic Seed Growers
New Brunswick.
Conference, Salem Conference Center, Salem,
www.acornorganic.org/conference.html
January 19 Intensive Mini-school Series for
Oregon. www.seedalliance.org
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA),
March 25 - 27 2008 SARE Conference,
Tustin, Michigan.
February 16 - 17 29th Annual OEFFA
Kansas City, MO. Join SARE and its many
www.csafarms.org/csaresources.asp
Conference, Granville, Ohio. Keynote speak-
partners to learn the latest about forging an
ers, nearly 50 workshops, locally sourced agriculture that is profitable, environmentally
January 23 – 26 28th Annual Ecological
organic food, kids’ conference. www.oeffa.org
sound and good for people and communities.
Farming Conference, Asilomar, Pacific Grove,
www.sare.org/2008conference
California. Root Values: Connecting Ecology,
February 18 - 20 2008 Missouri Small Fruit
Community and the Land. www.eco-farm.org
and Vegetable Conference, Springfield, MO. April 16 – 20 IOIA/IOA Basic Crop Inspec-
The Conference brings together small fruit and
tion Training, Iowa City IA. See page 3.
January 24 - 27 The 27th Annual Guelph
vegetable growers, researchers, extension
Organic Conference, Guelph, Canada, "Build-
workers, and commercial suppliers from April 21 – 25 IOIA/IOA Basic Livestock
ing Sustainable Organic Business". High-
across the state and around the country. Inspection Training. See page 3.
lighting - 'The Business of Organics' which
www.mtngrv.missouristate.edu
shows successful Canadian organic businesses
June 16 – 20 The 16th IFOAM Organic World
and co-ops striving for triple bottom line of
February 21 - 23 Upper Midwest Organic
Congress: Cultivate the Future. Modena, Italy.
economic, social and environmental sustain-
Farming Conference hosted by Midwest Go to www.ifoam.org for info.
ability. www.guelphorganicconf.ca/
Organic and Sustainable Education Service
Keep IOIA Strong – Lend Your Strength And Get Involved!
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