Apply by June 15th FREE Organic Inspector Training
June 15, 2026 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026 - 11:45PM
Contact: Contact Katie Brandt at brandtk7@msu.edu or Mariel Borgman at mborgm@msu.edu
Apply now for Michigan's Organic Inspector Training. This is an 8-week online training that you can complete following your own schedule. To become an inspector, there are assignments to complete and you'll be expected to participant in two farm visits with mock audits and connect with an inspector for mentorship.
FREE Organic Inspector Training
- When: Begins July 7
- Where: Online Training at your own convenience during the 8-week class.
- Register: Online application form.
Application Deadline: Monday, June 15th, 11:59 PM
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by Wednesday, July 1st
OEFFA Organic Inspector Training Program
Free of Charge (Funded by USDA-AMS TOPP)
Course developed by OEFFA in collaboration with Midwest TOPP
After completion of this 8-week program, trainees will be eligible to be paired with an inspector mentor who will provide the mentorship hours required to start working as an independent organic inspector. Mentorship pairing is provided through Midwest TOPP and dependent on availability of inspector mentors. Priority will be given to the trainees available to immediately begin work as organic inspectors in Michigan.
Inspection work after training and mentorship is not guaranteed and it will be the responsibility of the trainee to contact Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) to solicit contract work. Though no guarantees of work are provided, participation in this program will give trainees the connections with ACAs such as OEFFA and MOSA that will provide opportunity for candidacy as organic inspectors.
Auditing this training will be an option for those who wish to increase their knowledge of organic certification without taking on work as an organic inspector. This option will include online training without graded assignments and in-person farm visits.
Format:
- 8-week online course with weekly assignments
- Includes 2 on-farm mock inspections in Michigan
Time Commitment:
- Approximately 4 hours per week of online coursework (varies by experience)
- Plus 2 full days for in-person farm visits
Eligibility:
- Priority given to Michigan residents and those with organic farming experience
- Out-of-state applicants will be considered if able to attend the farm visits in Michigan
- 8-week online course with weekly assignments
- Includes 2 on-farm mock inspections in Michigan
Time Commitment:
- Approximately 4 hours per week of online coursework (varies by experience)
- Plus 2 full days for in-person farm visits
Eligibility:
- Priority given to Michigan residents and those with organic farming experience
- Out-of-state applicants will be considered if able to attend the farm visits in Michigan