They must generally have background, experience, or training related to the type of operations they inspect. Each certification agency has specific requirements for acceptance as an inspector. Inspectors are the eyes and ears of the certification process for the certifier and ultimately, for the consumer. They must not have financial conflicts of interest with the parties they inspect. After applications for certification are received by a certification agency, the agency makes arrangements for an inspector s services.
Annual inspection is required for certification.
Inspectors visit the operation, verify accuracy of the application and adherence to the agency s written standards. They carefully inspect all aspects of production, including materials used, soil conservation and management, equipment, storage facilities, and record keeping system. Special attention is given to the identification and analysis of critical control points those places where the organic integrity of a product could be compromised. Additional written documentation, labels, etc. are collected during inspection if necessary to complete the application. Samples may be taken, although not frequently, as organic certification is the certification of a process rather than a product.