Training Is Important The training of ICS staff and farmers is an important part of the ICS process. The objective is to provide farmers and project staff with a clear understanding of the relevant aspects of organic farming and, especially, make them aware of the contents and implications of the internal regulation for organic agriculture.

Training of Internal Inspector The internal inspector needs to receive at least one training by a competent person each year. The date of the training and details of the training program must be documented in the ICS operators staff files. The training should involve a range of skills: Updates on changes to the standards, procedures, documentation layout In the first year, in particular, practical experience in inspections with an experienced inspector. Working with other inspectors in other areas would also be useful to broaden the experience.

Other ICS Staff All staff should receive training in their particular area of responsibility. It is expected that staff have a basic knowledge of organic systems and specialist knowledge in their work area. Approval staff should receive training to update their knowledge regarding changes to both ICS and external certification agency’s inspection requirements. Staff involved in the purchase of products should be trained and checked regularly, as accurate buying and selling records are integral to the reconciliation of farmers’ yields and actual sales. All such training should be documented to include the date and the content of the training in the ICS staff register. These records may be requested by the inspector during the external inspection.

Farmers Training Each farmer needs to receive at least one initial training in organic agriculture. Continuous training in organic farming is important! Training farmers is seen as a critical part of the ICS. Aim is to improve the farmers’ knowledge and understanding in principles and methods of organic farming. Ideally the ICS will be introduced to farmers as a series of steps, starting with an introduction to organics in general and then focusing on specific problems or critical aspects. Training can be provided in training seminars incl. practical training in model farms or with regular field extension visits. Field training – where are the pests?

Ongoing Training Organic training sessions are linked to updating the staff and farmers knowledge in changes to the standards or forms and procedures for recording yields, inputs and sales Regular training in specific skills, such as organic fertility management, builds knowledge and trust and will reduce the risk of things going wrong. Note: There is a complete farmers‘ training manual available: IFOAM Training Manual for organic agriculture in the tropics (incl. slides) Training is also important as it provides an opportunity for informal checks for assessing farmers progress and can highlight issues that need urgent attention and solve problems The trainer should keep records of training dates and who participates. This adds another level to the informal assessment of each farmer’s commitment to the ICS and organic farming

ICS Trainer Checklist (example) Items Check Participants register Training documents (posters Contract Questionnaire Basic Standards ICS Standard (certifiers) Training tools Flip chart paper Pens Sticky tape White board Refreshments (water) Folder for farmers documents (water proof) Pen and note book for farmer Where there is a TV set a great training tool is a digital camera with training photos in the memory disk. Plug into TV and you have visuals.