Organic Food Education and Training

Get organic food education and training to become certified as an organic food distributor

Since many consumers are choosing to buy organic food products because of concerns about pesticides and other chemicals in foods, learning about organic farming is an alternative for many farmers and food distributors. For those who want to change their businesses from traditional farms to those that produce organic food products, it will be necessary to receive education and training to be certified as organic food producers.

For those who work with livestock and produce, learning doesn’t end with the completion of a class or a seminar. There will be new products and procedures for organic farmers and distributors which you will need to learn in order to have a successful business. Here are some additional things to consider about organic food education and training:

1. Get organic processing training in seminars and classes to run an organic produce business.

2. Learn about organic certification programs so that you can sell your produce to organic food companies and suppliers.

3. Become a member of organizations that offer natural and organic food business training.

 

Get training at seminars, conferences and classes to grow your organic food business

For those who want to learn about organic farming or who want to market their products at organic food stores, seminars and conferences are a great way to get information and network with companies which distribute organic food brands. Taking courses that specify in teaching farmers and growers about organic farming are also a great way to learn about growing organic and natural products, as well as how to manage your business.
Try: Attend the Organic Processing Seminar offered by FaRrms. This seminar covers such topics as basic organic principles, organic certification requirements and maintaining organic integrity. Angelic Organics Learning Center offers organic farmer training for farmers who are beginning to grow organic produce as well as those who want to research organic business planning and marketing ideas.

Receive organic certification so you can sell your organic food products to organic food suppliers

In order to sell your organic produce brands to natural and organic food stores and suppliers, you need to be certified as an organic food producer. There are certain criteria that organic food producers need to meet such as not using hormones or non-therapeutic antibiotics and reducing the pesticide use, to get certified. Educating yourself about these requirements will ensure that your farm meets these standards.
Try: Get certified to sell, distribute, or process natural food brands and produce by receiving a QAI (Quality Assurance International)certification at NSF. This organization also offers national organic, facility, retailer, restaurant and food security programs as part of its certification services. Food Alliance requires recipients of its certification to meet standards as either farmers or food handlers in order receive certification.

Join organizations that offer information to help you learn about running a natural food business

Becoming a member of organizations for organic food producers is a great way to receive up-to-date information and education about new ways to grow organic products and expand an organic farm business.
Try: Visit the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service to read its listings of conferences and seminars as well as access information and resources for organic farmers. Go to the Land Stewardship Project to learn about some of the organic education programs for farm research that present a holistic approach to managing an organic farm. Learn ways to promote safe and healthy food systems with the programs featured at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.

 

• Wholesale organic food products are big business in today's marketplace, so learning about organic food production will be beneficial to your business.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---