Preparing for Remote Organic Inspections

In March, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a notice to the Canadian organic industry on the implementation of the Canada Organic Regime (COR) during the COVID-19 crisis. 

The notice allows for flexibility in the implementation of COR and inspection frequency given the travel and distancing recommendations related to COVID-19. Many certification bodies have begun virtual or remote/hybrid inspections, and will resume in-person inspections when it is safe to do so.

Latest updates from Ontario certification bodies:

• Centre for Systems Integration (CSI)
• Pro-Cert
• Ecocert
• Quality Assurance International (QAI)
• TCO-Cert
• OCIA

Resources to prepare for a remote certification audit

Contingency Plans for Verifying Compliance When On-Site Inspections are not Possible

The Accredited Certifiers Association (ACA) and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) have released an industry-wide pandemic contingency plan, “Contingency Plans for Verifying Compliance When On-Site Inspections are not Possible.” This best practices document is the result of collaboration of over 125 participants, representing organic certifiers, independent organic inspectors, and other stakeholders. Read the document here.

Webinar: Organic Inspections During COVID-19: Challenges & Solutions

Earlier this month the Organic Trade Association (OTA) (based in the US) held a webinar about the unique challenges of continuing organic inspections during COVID-19. The webinar covers best practices and inspection tools that are being used to conduct inspections and verify compliance while travel restrictions are in place. In addition, certified operators can learn how to best prepare for an on-site or remote audit. Sign up to get a copy of the webinar recording here.