The National Organic Program provides a variety of training resources for organic farms and businesses and organic certifiers. Each heading below indicates the intended audience for the training in that section.
Training for Organic Farms and Businesses
Links to resources for candidate and current organic farms and businesses:
- Organic Integrity in the Supply Chain: Training | Resource List (pdf) | June 14, 2017 Webinar Slides (pdf) | Training Slides in Spanish (pdf)
- The Road to Organic Certification: Interactive Training
- Resources: Is Organic An Option for Me?
- Sound and Sensible Organic Certification Resources: The Value Proposition, Tips and Guides
Interactive Training for Organic Inspectors and Certifiers
NEW! The Investigation: The Trail of Evidence
Interactive, scenario-based training program for organic certifiers, inspectors, and compliance professionals. The training follows an organic certifier’s compliance and inspection staff as they investigate a complaint. Using a choose-your-own-adventure style video, the training demonstrates how to develop an investigative plan, conduct interviews, collect evidence, and construct a thorough investigative report.
- Launch Training: The Investigation: The Trail of Evidence
The Path to Sound and Sensible Organic Inspections
Interactive scenario-based training program for organic certifiers and inspectors. The training follows an organic inspector through an annual inspection with a certified organic farmer. Using a series of choose-your-own-path scenarios, the training teaches sound and sensible inspection principles in a practical and engaging way.
- Launch Training: The Path to Sound and Sensible Organic Inspections Note: This training provides a model approach to inspections. Different inspectors may choose to use an alternate approach.
- Training Overview and Exercises for Certifiers (pdf)
Training Modules for Certifiers - 2018
- 2018 Audit Priorities (pdf)
- AIA Reminders (pdf)
- Appeals (pdf)
- Materials Update (pdf)
- NOP Update (pdf)
- Pasture Rule Refresher (pdf)
- Reinstating Suspended Operations (pdf)
- Verifying Organic Imports (pdf)
- Adverse Actions Refresher (Germany only) (pdf)
- Periodic Residue Testing (Germany only) (pdf)
Modulos de capacitación en español (Training Modules in Spanish)
Haga clic aquí para ver una selección de 17 módulos de capacitación en español para entidades certificadoras. Los temas incluyen el proceso de certificación, pruebas periódicas de residuos, asistencia técnica, y más. (In English: Click here to see a selection of 17 training modules in Spanish for certifying bodies. Topics include the certification process, periodic residue testing, technical assistance, and more.)
Training Modules for Certifiers – 2017
- 2017 Audit Priorities (pdf)
- AIA Update (pdf)
- Corrective Actions (pdf)
- Noncompliance Analysis (pdf)
- NOP Update (pdf)
- Organic Import and Export Verification (pdf)
- Organic Integrity in the Supply Chain (pdf)
- Organic Policy Advisor Update (pdf)
- Standards Update & Material Review (pdf)
- The Path Sound & Sensible Inspections (pdf)
Training Modules for Certifiers – 2016
- National Organic Program Update (pdf)
- Accreditation Updates (pdf)
- Standards Update (pdf)
- Compliance & Enforcement Update (pdf)
- Audit Reminders (pdf)
- International Trade Arrangements (pdf)
- Investigations & Administrative Proceedings (pdf)
- Organic INTEGRITY Database Update (pdf)
- Reinstating Suspended Operations (pdf)
- Resolving Proposed Suspension and Revocation (pdf)
- Sound and Sensible Training Development (pdf)
- Submitting Corrective Actions to the NOP (pdf)
- Temporary Variances (pdf)
Training Modules for Certifiers - 2015
- NOP Introduction (pdf)
- Standards Updates (pdf)
- Accreditation Updates (pdf)
- Grower Groups (pdf)
- Enforcement and “Who Needs to Be Certified” Refresher(pdf)
- Certified Operations Database Update (pdf)
- Appeals and Settlement Agreement Updates (pdf)
NOP Training Modules for Certifiers – 2014
- NOP Update
- Appeals Update
- Accreditation Instructions Update
- Compliance Scenarios
- Good Agricultural Practices/Food Safety
- International Trade Arrangements
- Standards Update
- Unpackaged Organic Products
- USDA Resources for Organic Producers
- Who Needs to be Certified
Training Modules – 2013
- Practices for Submitting Residue Samples for Testing
- Periodic Residue Testing
- National List Update
- Compliance and Enforcement Update
- Penalty Matrix
- Certification and Accreditation Review
- Settlement and Mediation Overview
Training Modules - 2012
- Organic Labeling
- Adverse Action Notice Review
- NOP 2024: Certifier procedures for submitting information to the NOP
- NOP 2608: Responding to Accreditation Noncompliances
- NOP 2005: Auditor Checklist
- Instructions for Certifying Agents: Submitting Questions to the NOP
- GMO Policy Review
- Update on NOP’s 2011 Activities