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Are you having trouble tracking your on farm inputs or crop plans? Maybe you’re interested, but just can’t find the time to certify organic? 

NOFA/Mass is excited to feature Antonio Acosta from Agriculture & Land-Based Training Association (ALBA) and Coronel Produce organic farm to share their tips and techniques behind keeping your books straight for organic certification and inspection. Plus, they’ll talk about how recordkeeping for organic certification has other, unrelated benefits as well!

We understand there are many barriers and complications behind certification – including paperwork. Come with your questions and curiosities for this special webinar. 

Throughout the session we will:

• Review methods for tracking harvest totals, inputs and various tips & tricks
• Understand what inspectors are looking for
• How to stay in compliance
• Discuss why how these practices can benefit your farm beyond organic certification
• Receive helpful templates that ALBA has for farmers
• Address various language barriers for Spanish speakers
• Answer questions such as planting non organic transplants and non organic seeds, materials that are allowed to be used when being certified organic and about organic certification cost share

About the Presenters:

Antonio Acosta is an experienced Food Safety Assistant at ALBA, who is committed to ensuring that farmers are well-prepared for food safety audits, organic inspections, and safety inspections. He conducts internal audits to ensure compliance with USDA group gap regulations with farmers at ALBA. Antonio holds an AA Associate of Arts degree and an AAS Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Accounting from Heald College. In 2015, he started training on food safety and became a PSA train trainer to a USDA Harmonized auditor. His goal is to obtain a BA in food science, which will enable him to continue supporting small farmers. Antonio’s expertise and experience working with a local farmer as an HR/Safety/Food Safety Assistant have given him an edge in the industry. He is driven to make a difference in the lives of farmers and contribute to building a more sustainable food system.

Adelio Coronel has inspiring ambitions to establish a well-run farming operation while also being an environmental caretaker. Adelio’s story is about how he received the necessary education and support to transition from a farm worker to pursuing his dreams of becoming an organic farmer. You can hear his story of determination and perseverance as he strives to achieve his goals.

About the Project:

This event was made possible by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), a national program from the USDA that helps farmers navigate the ins and outs of certification, and provides mentorships and technical assistance to those who are considering organic certification. 

There is a history of BIPOC farmers not receiving or having unequal access to the resources that are provided by government agencies. This event is a safe space to discuss those inequities, look at how they apply to our farmers and communities, and consider how we may interact with them going forward. It is important to NOFA/Mass that we prioritize and deeply consider the gifts, needs and concerns of our BIPOC farmers.

Accessibility:

This webinar will be presented in Spanish and interpreted into English. Captions are enabled.

 

 

Questions?

Contact UlumPixan with any questions at [email protected]