USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 1 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Thea O'Carroll Thea O'Carroll - YieldOrganic

Tricia Ryan Hello. I am Tricia Ryan and I am the Program Manager (with AP Ventures) for the USDA NOP Organic 

Integrity Learning Center Project.

Kelly A. Monaghan Kelly Monaghan from Ash Street Organics in Toronto

Stephen Forbes Stephen Forbes - QCS

Jon Good morning - Jon Handly with Foster Farms making organic poultry feed for internal use

NICS NICS here!

Lisa McMillan Lisa McMillan -Keurig Green Mountain

Chelsey Lenczyk Chelsey Lenczyk, Bejo Seeds, vegetable breeding & production company for organic & conventional 

seed

Dhurpatti Hello, Dhurpatti from Fleischmann's Vinegar

Margaret Anne Weigelt Margaret Anne Weigelt, International Organic Inspectors Association, board chair - thanks for this 

webinar!

Johanna Mirenda Johanna Mirenda, Organic Trade Association

Peter Nell Peter Nell - CCOF

Jared Clark Jared Clark, Oregon Tilth

Gretchen Elsner Gretchen Elsner, Elsner Law & Policy

Jodi Snyder Jodi Snyder, GOA

Elise George Elise George OEFFA

Gwen Ayres, ISDA Hi, its Gwen Ayres with ISDA

Sandy Johnson Akara and Sandy with NOP

Katie Hawkins Katie Hawkins - OEFFA

Christie Badger Christie Badger, Organic Inspector & NOC

Liz Liz Amo, PCO

Gibbs Wilson Gibbs Wilson, Valent USA

Kelly A. Monaghan Confirmed. I hear you. 

Tessa Tripp, ICS Tessa Tripp, ICS

Krista Coleman, IR-4 Project Krista Coleman, IR-4

Katherine DiMatteo Katherine DiMatteo, Wolf, DiMatteo + Associates

Meaghan Donovan Meaghan Donovan, CCOF Foundation

Mariana del Rio Mariana del Rio, Simon Gluck & Kane LLP
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 2 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Michael Miller <--USDA AMS S&T

Cullen Carns-Hilliker - MOSA Cullen Carns-Hilliker - MOSA Inspection Manager

Jackie Sleeper Jackie Sleeper and Sally Lammers, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

Jenny Cruse Jenny Cruse, Accredited Certifiers Association

Andrea Holm Andrea Holm - certification specialist at MOSA

Jessica Walden Jessica Walden QAI

tami king Tami King - compliance officer

Beth Rota Beth Rota, Quality Certification Services

Harriet Behar Harriet Behar

Jenny Cruse "The Path" but related specifically to imports. Audience: inspectors and reviewers.

Elise George imports and uncertified entities for inspectors and reviewers

Cynthia Morphet I would suggest reaching out to OTA to develop course material for farmers/handlers around Supply 

Chain Organic Integrity/Best Practices

Sarah Reed CCOF Great work. If NOP has trainings for Farmers/Handlers, we can require operations to complete as part 

of settlement agreements.

Jenny Cruse Hands-on activities related to imports. Exercises actually using online resources -- exposure, exposure, 

exposure. Working with "real" sets of paperwork. Audience: reviewers.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY Please include audit and audit examples for inspectors and reviewers.

Scott Rice Auditing essentials for inspectors & reviewers: mass balance, trace back, etc.

Abby Youngblood basic and advanced farm literacy; i.e. pasture management on a dairy operation; audience = inspectors

NICS Please be sure to include other ruminants besides dairy cattle for the ration and DMD calculations.

Harriet Behar As an organic inspector, I see a few different databases used by many different processors, such as SAP, 

can a basic training on how these databases be taught, so I can understand and navigate their 

databases during my organic inspection. It was easier when much of the documentation was kept on 

paper and I could review the documents that way.

Mike Dill, OGC For Organic Handlers: Risk-based supply chain monitoring (i.e. how to identify supply chain partners, 

products, business relations that pose a higher risk to integrity).
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 3 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Bonnie Wheeler Retail food establishments and where to draw the line on whether certification is required, such as if 

they sell foods labeled as organic and prepared ahead of time; audience: inspectors, reviewers, 

certifiers, handlers

Christie Badger Engaging with NOSB - Farmers & Handlers

Gwen Ayres, ISDA In regards to the "Import Oversight" be sure to include how uncertified brokers and importers are to be 

dealt with. For inspectors.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY International is a much needed topic for Inspectors, reviewers and certifiers - Agreement & Equiv.

Kyla Smith, PCO assessing complex legal entity structures in regards to "who needs to be certified"

Mike Dill, OGC Inspectors: Auditing complex supply chains; beyond "one step back"

Cullen Carns-Hilliker - MOSA Inspector audience: Efficient inspection preparation; Risk assessment; Pasture management 

assessment; import verification @ inspection; Audit basics and advanced (farm, livestock and 

processing).

Cindy Elder (OCIA) Responding to various kinds of residue test results. Audience: Reviewers.

Drew Afton How about coaching for Farmers interested in going through certification? I see some topics where it 

could fit but guidance for both farmers and certifiers on transition, major hurdles, etc...

Sarah Reed CCOF Organic standards basics for industry could be very helpful for new certification applicants, and new 

entry level staff, e.g. basic standards, NOP Handbook, NOP structure, NOSB function

Natasha Lee Essential requiremenrs for Certifiers

Sam Welsch Special Topic for Inspectors and Reviewers: Assessing compliance with Facility Pest Control practices 

under 205.271.

Jackie Sleeper Please address assessing change in ownership and legal structures for certified entities

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY Organic farmers topics recordkeeping and uncertified distributors.

Beth Rota We really appreciate the NOP investing in this type of training program! For inspectors of grower 

groups - how to evaluate the effectiveness of the internal control system.

Sean Feder, CCOF Resources for learning about particular food systems, industries.

Christie Badger NOP/NOSB updates after each NOSB meeting - all

NICS Please include more Processing modules that include better information about labeling for difference 

scenatios os pacakging and manufacture
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 4 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Kyla Smith, PCO Label review in relation to FDA stuff (where does our scope end re: organic content (juices, etc), natural 

flavor language in an ingredient statement, standards of identity, distributor info, and other FDA/FSIS 

stuff that directly affects what ACAs are reviewing)

Sam Welsch Special Topic: Training for internal inspectors of grower groups.

Mike Dill, OGC Farm Reviewers: retail label review and approval.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY Please include evidence examples in enforcement training

Jake Lewin It's interesting to consider training for staff when often our own training is very process and concept 

based at the same time. That said, how to approach evidence and what matters and what doesn't etc. 

could be really interesting to have for staff to learn at the beginning.

Natasha Lee Compliance and enforcement activities for imports

Christie Badger On-boarding for new NOSB members

Meaghan Donovan How NOP regulations overlap with other regulations such as FSMA.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY Certifiers - Mediation training in an effort to avoid going to appeal

Abby Youngblood pasture rule compliance; audience: inspectors

Connie Karr advanced labeling and composition for multi ingredient products - such as CO2 calculations etc.

Jessica Walden Complex labeling examples (eg, "organic" modification of nonorganic ingredients, labeling of variety 

packs where there are products that are certified to different claims, personal care products) and 

material review (synthetic/nonsynthetic). we appreciate this and also are excited about the "donation" 

opportunity.

Sarah Reed CCOF For certifiers & inspectors - overview of organic-specific critical control points for specific types of 

industries, e.g. what to watch for at a winery, a broker, a walnut huller.

Natasha Lee Overview of the NOP requirements

Gwen Ayres, ISDA You could probably look at all of the questions that certifiers send to their Accreditation Managers to 

find subjects that certifiers need more info on.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY 1. position and geographic

Angela DeStefanis Information for the entities that are exempt or excluded on how to comply.

Harriet Behar Provide "virtual" examples in real situations to illustrate the techniques or methods being taught.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 5 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Bonnie Wheeler 1. Differences to consider: geographic location, experience with farming, and crop familiarity/types of 

crops common in that geographic location

Jackie Sleeper While it's good to adapt the course to your audience (e.g. inspector vs. reviewer), it is also VERY helpful 

for inspectors to understand the reviewer perspective and vice versa

Cynthia Morphet 1. Will there be courses aimed specifically at inspectors/certifiers of international suppliers/processors

Christie Badger Agree with Jackie - was thinking that inspectors should be able to take some of the certifier courses and 

such..

Sarah Reed CCOF 1. For trainings for Farms, consider offering training in Spanish

Jon 2. IFPTI developed curricula on FSMA - should consider how NOP intersects with FDA rules

Kyla Smith, PCO Absolutely agree with Jackie (OTCO) RE: cross training

Elise George 3. Linking the perspectives of and examples for the different audiences would be very helpful

Jake Lewin In Five years I know the learning program is effective because we have all new staff run through 

Modules x-y. All inspectors are required to do module z. etc. Or, i will know the learning progarm is 

effective if it appears as a positive qualification in job announcement.

Sam Welsch OneCert, both domestic and international, has content experts and learners for beta testing the 

material.

Gwen Ayres, ISDA 1. Geographic location/water availability is hugely important to consider when providing guidance for 

certain systems/operations.

Harriet Behar Effective program: track use by certifiers/inspectors and if evaluations of these entities by operations 

have improved over time

Abby Youngblood 2. NOC NOSB Consultant Christie Badger is also an independent organic inspector and would be good 

beta tester

Jackie Sleeper 4. More consistency amongst certifiers on the course topics, high rate of use

Kyla Smith, PCO 1: position to some degree and support cross training and geographic location

Sarah Reed CCOF 2. CCOF Certification Services and CCOF Foundation have extensive high quality content and recorded 

trainings on a variety of topics, for operators, reviewers, and inspectors. Happy to support NOP in this 

venture.

Sam Welsch 1 & 3: material that is developed for a high school education level would be most broadly usable. 

Complex topics can be taught with simple language.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 6 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY 5. improved consistency in applying the regulations. NOP audit NONC reduced

Beth Rota 1. for producer audience, considering the size and complexity/diversity of operation may be helpful

Abby Youngblood 2. NOC can provide names of certifier staff, inspectors, and trainers in our network who would be good 

beta testers

Meaghan Donovan 1. Note that different people have different learning styles and learn best through different media 

(audio, visual, written, etc.). Include multiple means of communication (and modes of assessment) on 

the online courses to address this diversity of learners.

earthbound farm are you offering CEUs with these courses?

Scott Rice I know the learning program is effective when NOP accreditation managers are not answering the 

same/similar question repeatedly from different certifiers.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY 4. Feedback, attendance, two way engagement

Beth Rota 5. there is greater consistency in certifier interpretation and enforcement of the organic standard.

Sarah Reed CCOF 5. CCOF staff and inspectors know it exists, use it, and our internal work instructions reference it as a 

resource (and required for our training program).

Sarah Reed CCOF 5. NOP is continuing to manage it, update, and improve it.

Kyla Smith, PCO 4: increased participation rate, increased assessment scores, increased consistency of ACAs, decreased 

NCs on accreditation audits

Abby Youngblood 5. Certifiers and inspectors consistently enforce the organic regulations

Drew Afton 4. This will be succesful if it can assist more growers to succesful certification so then can help fill gaps 

in the organic supply chain while also meeting consumer demand both in terms of supply and 

perception of the integrity of the program. Those of us selling products to the general public rely on 

this integrity as a primary componant of marketing these products. Maybe a consumer education 

section would be helpful?

Christie Badger Good question, earthbound farmers - did talk about being able to track engagement hours earlier. Will 

be interesting to see how this fits into the Inspector/Reviewer Qualification requirements that are 

being discussed..
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 7 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Gwen Ayres, ISDA 5. I will know the learning program is effective when I have to ask my Accreditation Manager fewer (or 

no) questions about NOP's position on a certain subject and that my inspector/certifier staff ask me 

fewer questions because they are able to find the answer in the learning center.

Jessica Walden 2. QAI has extensive training presentations, reviewers, and experts on all aspects of certification and is 

happy to assist however we can.

Margaret Anne Weigelt Keep in mind operators are involved in parallel production/conventional; how to bridge the gap

Bonnie Wheeler 5. We will know the learning program is effective if we are able to use it to thoroughly train our 

inspectors

Beth Rota 2. QCS is happy to contribute.

Sean Feder, CCOF 2. We are happy to assist.

tami king please don't make it to expensive to take the courses

Sam Welsch How do we share ideas after this session has ended. It would also be useful to see other submissions.

Michelle Kozlowski 2. Julia Barton and Michelle Kozlowski would like to help. OEFFA has substantial training resources and 

people who can contribute.

Sarah Reed CCOF 1. Mixed versus all organic

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY suggest including NOP FAQ in training from for each audience section

Christie Badger Good question, Sam W. - how do we continue to share ideas post webinar?

Jackie Sleeper 5. Will be effective if NOP continues to develop content to address the needs of the industry as it 

changes - even proactively if possible, but at least reactive to current events and issues

Christie Badger Farmers - Benefits of transitioning to organic - a baseline training opportunity, or something that 

certifiers could share with potential new operations - this one should be free, and should be used to 

promote the organic program and domestic production.

Sean Feder, CCOF 3. i would think some courses would address broad audiences, and then trainings with more in-depth 

focus, could aim for specific audiences.

Jenny Cruse The ACA has materials that might be adapted for use in the LMS. We plan to submit a specific proposal 

for this as discussed with Jenny Tucker.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program 

Organic Integrity Learning Center Listening Session Chat Record 

Page 8 of 8 11/15/2018 6:23 PM

Participant Name Message

Gwen Ayres, ISDA Courses: I can't say it enough-we need lots of examples, not just theory. Preferably examples would 

apply to some of the various differences in geographic locations, culture, position, etc.

Lori Kenyon - NOFA-NY Use NOP Annual Certifier training as an opportunity to identify future training modules

Leslie Z Someone asked about the fee. Should note that it is free?

Natasha Lee I am interested in volunteering

Natasha Lee Thank you for the presentation!

Jackie Sleeper Thank you Jenny and NOP, this is exciting and we appreciate the efforts thus far.

Johanna Mirenda Where do we direct future comments and feedback on the discussion questions? to Jenny's email or 

elsewhere?

Sam Welsch Will access be open to international participation?

Steve Walker, MOSA Probably separate from this system, would like to see NOP accommodate some sort of streaming of 

NOSB meetings.

Christie Badger Jenny, thank you for your continued willingness to listen!

Meaghan Donovan 3. Including presentations or information from people who are doing the work on the ground. (I.e. if 

you are doing an inspector training, include the experiences current inspectors and how they address 

the the topics being presented during their inspections). I'd also like to echo the folks noting examples 

from different geographic locations, culture, etc. would be great.

Kevin Edwards We will be interested in contributing, perhaps on the international side

Margaret Anne Weigelt Many thanks Jenny and Tricia.

Meaghan Donovan Thanks!

Scott Rice This is a great start--thanks very much!

Jenny Cruse Thank you!

Sabine Carey Thanks so much to Jenny and Tricia for this great start!

Cynthia Morphet Future courses: developed to address non-compliance trends noted during inspections

NICS In regard to Farmer training: Please ensure information is available and accessible to the Plain 

Communities - Amish Mennonite etc. Thank you for this - WE are excited.