Organic training for certifiers, specialists, ag commissioners, industry

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has been approved as a State Organic Program by the USDA’s National Organic Program, according to Ray Green, supervisor of the California Organic Program inspection and compliance branch. CDFA’s primary responsibility will be industry enforcement, including education and outreach to those conducting certification and to other agencies involved in enforcement.

The first educational events related to enforcement are scheduled from March through May, Green said. County agricultural commissioners’ staff, organic certifiers, county farm advisors/extension specialists, and the organic production and marketing industry are invited to attend free seminars on the “Legal rights and Responsibilities of an Organic Marketing Operation.” Seminars do not require advance registration and will be offered throughout the state. For more information please visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/fveqc/organic.htm.

Organic Training Dates

Thursday, March 11, San Diego
Friday, March 19, Santa Rosa
Tuesday, March 23, Ventura
Wednesday, March 24, Indio
Thursday, March 25, Anaheim
Thursday, April 1, San Luis Obispo
Friday, April 2, Salinas
Tuesday, April 6, Sacramento
Thursday, April 8, Redding
Monday, April 12, Stanislaus
Wednesday, April 14, Fresno
Monday, April 19, Humboldt
Friday, May 21, Bakersfield