Join NOC on Wednesday, October 14 from 1 pm to 4 pm ET for a community-wide virtual gathering alongside the NOSB meeting. In addition to an NOSB update, this event will feature:

Split and Parallel Operation Farmer Panel

A significant share of organic farmers also produce conventional crops or livestock, making split and parallel operations an important—and sometimes overlooked—part of the organic sector. Farmers will share why they farm both organically and conventionally, what it takes to maintain organic certification within a split operation, and what changes could make it possible for them to bring more of their production into organic.

Building and Strengthening the Organic Inspector Workforce Session

How do we make sure the next generation of inspectors have the skills they need?

At past NOC events, we’ve heard directly from farmers about how much the inspection experience matters. For many, the annual inspection is their most significant point of contact with the organic certification system. An inspector’s knowledge of farming, communication skills, and judgment about what matters most for organic integrity can shape how farmers experience certification—and how burdensome the process feels.

The session will feature Strengthening Organic Systems’ work to expand inspector and reviewer training through colleges and other educational institutions and OEFFA’s virtual organic inspector training program, along with a broader discussion of how the Transition to Organic Partnership Program has supported workforce development and what comes next.