With E-Train, the new IMO Online Training Platform, IMO offers a complete e-training programme for organic control bodies, inspectors and consultants wishing to develop or improve their in-depth understanding of the requirements of organic regulations and effective organic inspection procedures. The trainings are optimised to be used world-wide and can be offered online or as blended learning courses, i.e. as a combination of workshop and online. The training involves many practical exercises and challenges the trainees to apply and test their gained knowledge in various real life examples. After a successful written final exam, the trainee receives an IMO Training Certificate.

The following modules are offered for inspectors, consultants and industry staff wishing to understand organic certification requirements and procedures in depth:

• Organic Farm Inspection Training (initial training)
• Organic Processing and Trade Inspection Training (initial training)
• National Organic Programme (NOP) Inspector Training (add-on training)
• Organic Smallholder Group Certification based on an ICS (initial training)

An Organic Wild Collection Inspection Training and several shorter training courses in selected organic inspection scopes will be available soon.
Furthermore E-Train will offer short online training courses for organic companies (e.g. organic product labelling, separation measures and traceability, overview organic and other sustainability standard systems).

Module 1: Organic Farm Inspection Training
Target group: New organic inspectors; refresher course for organic inspectors with some experience
Duration: 4 days (flexible schedule)
Content: organic farm inspections according to the Regulations (EC) N° 843/2007 & N° 889/2008 and basic requirements of the NOP and JAS Standards

• Preparation, on-site inspection process overview and basics
• The organic production unit; Seeds and planting material
  Soil fertility and fertilization; Pest, disease and weed
  management
• Harvest, post harvest handling, processing & marketing
• Reporting, evaluation of results & certification

 
Module 2: Organic Processing and Trade Inspection Training
Target group: New organic processing inspectors; refresher course for inspectors with some experience
Duration: 2.5 days (flexible schedule)
Content: organic processing and trade inspections according to the Regulations (EC) N° 843/2007 & N° 889/2008 including basic requirements of the NOP and JAS Standards

• Preparation, on-site inspection process overview and basics
• Description of activities (assortment, warehousing, etc.)
  and documentation
• Control of incoming goods, composition (recipe checks,
  sales documentation, product labelling
• Quality assurance, traceability and product flow verification
• Reporting, evaluation of results & certification

 
Module 3: National Organic Programme (NOP) Inspector Training
Target group: qualified organic inspectors; qualified organic certification personell
Duration: 1.25 days (flexible schedule)
Content: Farm production and handling requirements and inspection procedures according to the USDA National Organic Programme (NOP)

• Introduction and basics of NOP standards and certification
• NOP 0rganic farm inspections
• NOP organic handling inspections
• Detailed comparison EU – NOP organic requirements

 
Module 4: Organic Smallholder Group Certification based on an ICS
Target group: qualified organic inspectors; qualified organic certification personell
Duration: 3 days (flexible schedule)
Content: Procedures for inspection and certification of smallholder producer groups with an Internal Control System (ICS)

• Introduction and pre-requirements for group certification
• Core elements of the group’s ICS
• Group inspection procedures: ICS system audit and farmer re-inspections
• Assessment of non-conformities, reporting and
  certification
  

To find out more about IMO E-Train services and costs you can contact us at e-train@imo.ch .