ACA and IOIA are excited to bring you a 3-day Fall Training for certifiers in Farmington, MN. Through an ACA-IOIA partnership, certifiers can attend the first two days of the IOIA Basic Processing course and a third day of new ACA workshops for certifiers. Options to attend all three days, two days, or one day are available.
Both new workshops (Day 3) are hands-on interactive training to build knowledge and skills in the areas of de-escalation and conducting and reviewing mass balance audits. Descriptions of each day’s content are below.
Participants attending the days led by IOIA are expected to participate fully in all assignments and exercises but are not expected to take an exam. Participants who attend all sessions and fully participate will receive an ACA/IOIA Certificate of Completion for the Organic Processing Certification Workshop.
Day 1 – Overview of the certification process; apply the NOP processing standards to processing scenarios and identifying Organic Control Points; assess input materials and ingredients for compliance; dig into product composition, ingredients, labeling, and recipe calculations; risk assessment; and learn how to review an Organic System Plan for handling.
Day 2 – Conduct the processing inspection; the role of the inspector; ethics and conduct; drafting an inspection plan; audit trail requirements; food plant sanitation and pest control; the exit interview; and lots of exercises and practice!
Day 3 – De-Escalation for Organic Certifiers: This course is designed to equip organic certifiers with the necessary skills to handle conflicts effectively through lecture, group conversation, and role play. Mass Balance Audits: This workshop is an exploration of mass balance audits, intended to give certifers a better understanding of how they are carried out on inspections.
Pre-work may be required for some attendees.
- The 100-level NOP Processing Standards webinar training (6 hours), is offered October 29 & Nov. 1, 2024, and is required pre-work for the Basic Processing Class. If you have already completed this webinar, you are not required to retake it to attend this course.
ACA Member Pricing:
- Three days (M-W, 11/18-20) $1200
- Two Days (Monday and Tuesday, 11/18-19) IOIA training for certifiers and inspectors: $800
- One Day (Wednesday, 11/20) ACA Workshops: $400
Housing:
Housing is available on-site for $200/night (private room) or $100/night (dormitory-style lodging). IOIA will make your reservation on your behalf.
Meals:
Meals are included.
Please complete the registration form linked here. An invoice will be emailed to you.
Don’t wait! Space for certifiers is limited! Registration closes September 30.