INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
IOIA/IOA BASIC CROP & LIVESTOCK INSPECTION TRAINING IN DES MOINES, IOWA
November 2 – 6 and November 9 - 13, 2015
This is the companion document for the Inspection Training Application and the Online Registration for attending the following IOIA organic crop and livestock inspection trainings in Iowa. Please read this document carefully before filling out the application form.
The trainings will be held at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct, Johnston, Iowa 50131 (Ph: 515-334-9000) Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center - Des Moines, Iowa
Online Registration and Application consists of two steps. Both must be completed by the deadline to be considered for acceptance to the basic courses.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE BASIC TRAINING IS SEPTEMBER 21, 2015.
1. Please Apply Here for basic courses.
2. IOIA/IOA Basic Crop Training, Please Register Here
3. IOIA/IOA Basic Livestock Training, Please Register Here
Crop Inspection Training: Monday, November 2 – Friday Noon, November 6, 2015
Livestock Inspection Training: Monday, November 9 – Friday Noon, November 13, 2015
All registration is through the IOIA office. If you have any questions, please contact IOIA at (406) 436-2031, or email [email protected]. Application forms and information can also be downloaded from the IOIA website http://www.ioia.net under the “Upcoming Trainings” tab.
GENERAL INFORMATION
IOIA and Iowa Organic Association (IOA) will cosponsor Crop and Livestock Inspection Trainings, at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Johnston, Iowa. Each course includes 4 days of instruction including a field trip to a certified organic operation, plus ½ day for testing. A minimum of 15 participants is required for each course or it will be canceled.
Iowa Organic Association is a non-profit umbrella organization. It is the only organization in the state dedicated to advancing opportunities in organic agriculture. Core focus areas include education; policy; promotion and market development; and research. IOA members include individuals, organizations, and companies. Several certification agencies, including the state of Iowa, certify organic operations in the area. For more information about the Iowa Organic Association (IOA) visit www.iowaorganic.org.
PARTICIPANTS: WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
IOIA Basic Organic Inspection Training courses are recommended for inspector trainees, certification agency staff, regulatory agency staff, farmers, quality control personnel, consultants, and technical service providers who want to better understand the organic inspection and certification process.
PARTICIPANT: Acceptance, Timeline, Materials, and Completion Expectations
Participants accepted into the course are mailed an acceptance package about one month before the course. Participants should allow several days to complete pre-course reading and assignments. Completed assignments must be emailed to IOIA according to deadlines. The IFOAM/IOIA International Organic Inspection Manual and the USDA National Organic Program Standards are the basis for the Crop and Livestock Inspection courses. Copies of the Manual and the USDA Rule are included in the registration fee. Participants are also provided a copy of the Generic Materials List, published by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
The courses are rigorous, with some evening sessions. To receive a Certificate of Completion for the basic courses, students must meet minimum course acceptance criteria, attend all sessions, complete the pre-course assignments, complete specific in-course assignments with at least 50%, and earn at least 75% on the test and final written assignments. Letters of Attendance are provided for those who choose to audit the course (test and written assignments not required of persons who audit courses) and for those who fail to meet the course completion requirements or the minimum score on graded materials.
WHAT THE COURSE INCLUDES:
Basic Organic Crop Inspection Training: Non commuter participants should arrive to check-in on Sunday evening, November 1, 2015 no earlier than 4:00 p.m. Registration is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Commuters and late arrivals may register upon arrival on Monday morning, November 2, 2015 between 7:00-8:00 a.m. The 4 ½ -day Basic Organic Crop Inspection Training follows IOIA's curriculum requirements which include: classroom instruction on the organic standards (focus on the USDA National Organic Rule); working with organic system plans; how to inspect organic farms; audit trail requirements; risk assessment; investigative skills; report writing; approved input materials; assessing natural resource management; inspector conduct, confidentiality, and ethics; understanding the difference between inspecting and consulting; and effective communication. The course also includes a pre-course webinar “Crop Input Materials”, a field trip to a certified organic farm, a graded written assignment (inspection report), and final test. The test is scheduled for Friday, November 6. The course begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, November 2 and will conclude at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, November 6.
Please watch for an email from IOIA with the date and time of the pre-course webinar.
Basic Organic Livestock Inspection Training: Non commuter participants should arrive to check-in Sunday evening, November 8, 2015 no earlier than 4:00 p.m. Registration is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Commuters may register upon arrival on Monday morning, November 9, between 7:00-8:00 a.m. The 4 ½ day comprehensive Basic Organic Livestock Inspection Training follows IOIA’s livestock curriculum requirements and includes classroom instruction on organic livestock standards; livestock materials; risk assessment; audit trail requirements; report writing; inspector conduct, confidentiality, and ethics; understanding the difference between inspecting and consulting; effective communication; and organic inspection procedures for meat and dairy animals; fiber-bearing animals; and poultry (meat and eggs). The course also includes a field trip to a certified organic farm, a graded written assignment (inspection report), and final test. The test is scheduled for Friday, November 13. The course begins at 8:30 on Monday, November 9 and will conclude at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, November 13.
How to Operate an Organic Inspection Business (Optional): This 1-hour session will be offered Monday evening, November 2 and again on Monday evening, November 9.
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Applications for participation in IOIA courses are evaluated and ranked according to the applicant’s relevant education, training and life experiences. Attendance to IOIA courses is limited. If you are accepted into the course, an instructional letter and the curriculum materials including pre-course readings and assignments will be mailed to you (about one month prior to the training). Applicants to IOIA trainings must meet the following acceptance criteria.
All Courses:
* Submission of complete registration, application, résumé, and fees.
* Fluency of the language in which the course is given.
* Demonstration of good communication skills (written, verbal and listening).
* Understanding of and commitment to, enforcement of organic certification principles.
* Demonstration of continuing education.
* Appropriate physical and mental health.
Additional Course Acceptance Criteria
Basic Organic Crop Inspection Training
A minimum of 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in organic agriculture, with knowledge of conventional agricultural practices.
Basic Organic Livestock Inspector Training
A minimum of 1 year training and/or 1 year experience in livestock production, with knowledge of both organic and conventional livestock practices
Note: Participants will be expected to complete a pre-course learning assessment and some preparatory work including a pre-course Webinar. IOIA will email participants the date and time for the webinar after they have been accepted. Others who do not meet the criteria are welcome to audit the course and receive a Letter of Attendance.
TRAINING SITE
The Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center is located near Des Moines, in Johnston, Iowa. Home to a variety of attractions, Des Moines covers a wide range of interests including: fairs, festivals, museums and concerts. Additionally, this area boasts a huge selection of unique shopping, outdoor recreation, family entertainment, many museums and great local dining establishments - and they are all near the Stoney Creek Des Moines where guests enjoy free breakfast and WI-FI! For more info about Johnston, Iowa and Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center or a detailed map, visit Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center - Des Moines, Iowa.
Meals:
Tuition for both non-commuters and commuters includes lunch Monday through Thursday for the basic training. Lunches and refreshments are included in the registration fees. IOIA will strive to have as much organic food available as possible. The hotel is surrounded by a variety of dining options nearby for evening meals. Note: IOIA must be notified at least 2 weeks before you arrive for the training, if you have special dietary restrictions.
Lodging:
The Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center rooms include: One king or two full size beds, desk, club chair and dresser; spacious bathroom with hairdryer; complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access; 24-hr business center; phone, indoor pool, alarm clock, and coffee maker. For further information, visit www.stoneycreekhotels.com. The group rate for a private room is $99.00/night plus 10% tax. You are responsible for making your own room reservation if you desire a private room. Call (800-659-2220) for a reservation and ask for the IOIA Training room block. You must book by 10/1/2015 and request by group name to get the discount rate. IOIA offers a shared rooming option to assist those who want a roommate. Do not call the hotel if you are requesting a shared room. IOIA will prepare the shared rooming list. If no roommate is available, IOIA will notify you so you can make other arrangements.
Private Room: To book a private room in the IOIA room block, please indicate “Private” on the registration form. You will be responsible for booking your own private room.
Shared Room: For the shared lodging option IOIA will prepare the shared rooming list and will reserve the rooms. Shared room rates are $375 for a Sunday – Thursday night stay which includes breakfast Monday morning – Friday morning. Please be aware that if no roommate is available and private lodging is the only option, we will contact you to let you know that you will need to pay the private room rate.
TRANSPORTATION: Individuals are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to and from the training. Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center offers a FREE Shuttle Service 7a.m. to 11 p.m. from the airport - Based on Availability.
Directions:
Nearest Airport is Des Moines (DSM), less than 20 miles. Shuttle Service is available directly to Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center through Stoney Creek Hotel. The shuttle service runs from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. based on availability by calling hotel and scheduling pickup. Allow 30 minutes for the trip. Reservations at least 72 hours in advance are advised. Call 1-800-659-2220 or visit Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center - Des Moines, Iowa for more information.
If you are not a local commuter, please try to arrange to arrive no later than 9 p.m. the night before your course begins. You must leave no earlier than the actual end of the course or final exam. Commuters and late arrivals may register the morning the course begins. Directions to the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center will be provided in the acceptance package.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION
For course participants traveling from out of town, please arrange to arrive and register no later than 8:00 p.m. the night before your course begins. Late arrivals and local commuters may register in the morning 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Participants must leave no earlier than the actual end of the course or after the final exam, to receive credit.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING TO THE TRAINING:
Please bring athletic or other sturdy footwear, warm outer wear, rain gear and boots for field trips (suggested), extra notepaper, clipboard, and calculator. Laptop computers are useful and encouraged for the written assignments. If you do not have access to a laptop computer for the course, please contact IOIA to discuss the requirements for the report assignment. Legible, handwritten reports are also acceptable.
WEATHER
Weather in early November for this area should be cool. Average highs are 55◦ (F) and average lows of 36◦ (F). For current weather forecasts, plan to check weather before departure. www.weather.com.
Tuition: Fees for the course include tuition, course materials, and meals as specified above.
Registration Fees (US currency)
- Organic Crop or Livestock Inspection Training (4.5 days) $1975.00
- Shared Rooms $375.00
- IOIA 2016 Membership Dues (optional) (Supporting Individual) $135.00
- (Supporting Business) $160.00
- (Inspector - see criteria below) $175.00
- IOIA Current Member Discount -$ 50.00
- NEW Member Discount -$ 75.00
IFOAM/IOIA Manual: If you took IOIA Basic training within the past 3 years, you will NOT be mailed a copy of the IFOAM/IOIA Manual. If you received a manual within the past 3 years but no longer have the manual, add $45.00 to your registration fees receive a new one.
IOIA MEMBERSHIP: IOIA welcomes all participants to consider joining IOIA. Please contact IOIA to request a membership application form or visit IOIA's website to download the appropriate application form. In addition to training discounts and reduced rates on IOIA publications, IOIA members receive other membership benefits including a quarterly newsletter. If you are not already an IOIA Member you are invited to join as an Inspector Member (see criteria below) ($175), a Supporting Individual Member ($135), or a Supporting Business Member ($160).
IOIA members receive a $50.00 discount off the total amount for in person training and a $25.00 discount for each webinar training.
NEW members get a $75.00 discount when they join. You are welcome to join IOIA with this training and take the discount immediately. If you join with this training, your dues will be good through 2016.
Criteria for acceptance as an Inspector Member, based on IOIA By laws, include:
• Formal basic inspector training.
• Training or experience in agriculture, processing, and/or trade.
• Review and approval by the IOIA Membership Committee.
• Completion of IOIA Membership Application.
• Understanding and acceptance of IOIA Mission Statement, Code of Ethics and Code of
Conduct.
• Experience in inspection of organic farming, food processing, and/or trade. Minimum experience is documented in 1 of 2manners:
1.Ten organic inspections performed, plus a letter from a certification agency attesting to completion of these inspections. OR
2.Five supervised inspections performed, plus a letter from a mentor inspector attesting to completion of these inspections.
PAYMENTS AND IMPORTANT DUE DATES
All applications for the basic trainings must be received by September 21, 2015.
All fees are due with the application (US funds only - checks, money orders, traveler’s checks). Information to pay via VISA, Discover or Master Card is in the Training Application.
Applications received after September 21, 2015 will be accepted if the course is not full and will be charged a $75 late fee.
Minimum course size for the trainings is 15. If there are not 15 qualified applicants, that course will be cancelled and all funds will be returned to applicants, who will be notified by October 9, 2015.
Maximum course size is 25 participants for each class.
· If an applicant is not accepted into the course, the application fee minus a $25 processing charge will be refunded.
If an applicant cancels after acceptance, but before October 9, 2015, the application fee minus $100 for materials and processing, will be refunded.
All fees are non refundable after October 9, 2015.
Course materials will be mailed to each applicant after acceptance to the course (about one month before the beginning of the course).
NOTE: IOIA prints a participant list with contact information for all participants (address, phone, and email) to include in the training binders. If you do not want included on this list, please contact the IOIA before October 9, 2015.
