Preparing the Next Generation of Organic Inspectors Must be a Priority for All of Us

(Images courtesy of the International Organic Inspectors Association)

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Underpinning a well-functioning organic system is not only a clear set of rules, but an understanding that these rules are being enforced.

This is a promise that we make to organic consumers.

So, as the next generation of leaders transition into the industry, the question is: are we doing enough to ensure their success?

After farmers, there may be no more important group of individuals than organic inspectors — the people who travel around the world to assess whether farms and operations are actually doing what they are supposed to be doing and then report back to their certifiers with the results.

Despite the incredibly vital role that organic inspectors play, rumors have been circulating that there is a shortage of them, something that would create a real risk to the overall integrity of the organic industry and its ability to function.

The information below is based on interviews with the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA), organic certifiers and other professionals in the field.

BACKGROUND

• Organic inspectors work for an approved USDA organic certifier, either part-time, full-time or on a contract basis. It can be an extremely travel-heavy job and not overly lucrative, two conditions that make it challenging for a young person who wants to start a family. Also, it is often not marketed as a full-time career.
• With the recent implementation of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement act (SOE), the USDA estimated that more than 1,000 new operations entered the certified organic ecosystem, which would increase demand for inspectors.
• SOE has mandated uniform qualification and training standards for organic inspectors, and IOIA is the primary entity at which inspectors get trained. There is no formal credentialing for organic inspectors.
• In 2021, the USDA funded The Human Capital Capacity Building Initiative, a $1.7M program that helps, among other things, to build out the field of organic inspectors.
• “At the current moment, there is no shortage of organic inspectors, but there is a shortage of experienced inspectors,” said Margaret Scoles, executive director of IOIA. “There is always a need for more inspectors who have the right qualifications, but the demand varies regionally. Due to SOE and because of the industry’s growth and generational changes, we will need more inspectors in the very near future. But right now, some people are paying thousands of dollars to go through our training and cannot find work. This situation will change, and the industry needs to prepare for this.”

KEY CHALLENGES

• Keeping experienced people in the profession over the long-term, providing young people mentorship, and paying mentors to coach young people are all very significant issues. Retention was a consistent theme with nearly everyone.
• Organic inspectors not only act as the “police” but must also maintain a rapport with — and not alienate — the client. A very delicate balancing act.
• There can be pressure from some organic certifiers on inspectors not to write non-compliance reports, as clients have the ability to switch certifiers if they do not like the service they are getting or are unhappy with the inspections. Additionally, dealing with non-compliances is time-intensive and eats into profitability.
• There is not one clear set of rules that all organic certifiers follow, something that makes it challenging for inspectors. A few examples: some certifiers allow hydroponics in organic, while others do not; there is no approved federal standard when it comes to organic honey production.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

• “Key to retention is having an ample supply of mentors,” said IOIA’s Margaret Scoles. “However, right now, many of the experienced inspectors are mentoring for free, and they are stretched very thin. If we can find a way to pay them, that would make an enormous difference in building our pipeline of entry-level inspectors and keeping them in the industry for the long term.”
• Concurrent with that is engaging young people, exposing them to the industry and showing them that organic inspection is a viable career path. Rodale Institute just received $350,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to fund the Organic Compliance Specialist Registered Apprenticeship, a first-of-its-kind program in the nation that will commence later in 2024. “Our apprentices will get paid to train and will receive on-the-farm exposure to all aspects of our industry, including inspection and certification, as well as mentoring from experienced professionals,” said Jeff Tkach, CEO of Rodale Institute. “We want them to be very prepared before they go off to IOIA, as we understand the critical importance of building out the next generation of organic inspectors and certifiers.”
• More corporate involvement from organic CPG brands to sponsor apprenticeship and mentorships for up-and-coming organic inspectors, similar to what Organic Valley has done with its Farmers Advocating for Organic program (FAFO). Organic Valley sponsored a livestock intensive apprenticeship in 2022 with FAFO funding.
• The USDA should be collecting specific data from organic certifiers to help identify which certifiers are churning out inspections and may be purposely avoiding non-compliance reports. Namely, what is the ratio of inspectors (in terms of man hours) to the number of clients inspected. Creating an industry benchmark, against which all certifiers can be evaluated, would be extremely helpful.
• Create a formal credential for organic inspectors.
• Ban the practice of organic certifiers sharing with the farmers the invoices of inspectors. Some farmers become resentful over the exact cost charged by the inspector, and this can create unnecessary tension.
• Possibly embrace a risk-based system that does not mandate an annual inspection, something similar to what the Internal Revenue Service does. This discussion is currently on-going but would require a change to the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

There are many challenges facing organic inspection, and they can be addressed with increased awareness and involvement of all market participants. And in the process, the stronger our industry will become.

With gratitude, Max Goldberg, Founder