Organic Farming & Certification: Sustainable Agriculture & Market Access

Introduction:

Organic Farming and Certification equips farmers, agricultural professionals, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to implement organic farming practices and navigate the certification process for enhanced market access. This course focuses on understanding organic standards, implementing sustainable agricultural techniques, and maximizing market opportunities for organic products. Participants will learn to build healthy soil, manage pests naturally, and comply with certification requirements. By mastering organic farming, professionals can contribute to environmental sustainability and capitalize on the growing organic market.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for farmers, agricultural extension officers, farm managers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and food industry professionals. This includes Farmers, Agricultural Consultants, Agricultural Entrepreneurs, Farm Managers, Extension Officers, Food Industry Professionals, Sustainability Officers, Certification Officers, Researchers, and Agricultural Educators. These individuals require expertise in organic farming to implement sustainable practices and access organic markets.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of organic farming.
• Implement organic soil fertility management techniques.
• Utilize natural pest and disease management strategies.
• Understand the organic certification process and standards.
• Develop skills in record-keeping and documentation for organic certification.
• Implement organic crop production practices.
• Understand organic livestock management standards.
• Navigate organic market access and value chains.
• Develop strategies for marketing organic products.
• Understand the role of organic farming in environmental sustainability.
• Implement techniques for transitioning to organic farming.
• Understand the legal and regulatory aspects of organic agriculture.
• Develop strategies for building successful organic farming enterprises.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Organic Agriculture

• Principles and philosophy of organic farming.
• Historical context and evolution of organic standards.
• Benefits: environmental, economic, and social.
• Comparing organic with conventional agriculture.

Module 2: Organic Soil Fertility Management

• Building soil organic matter.
• Composting techniques and applications.
• Cover cropping and green manures.
• Natural soil amendments.
• Nutrient cycling in organic systems.

Module 3: Natural Pest and Disease Management

• Integrated pest management (IPM) in organic systems.
• Biological control and beneficial insects.
• Cultural practices for disease prevention.
• Natural pesticides and biopesticides.
• Monitoring and scouting techniques.

Module 4: Organic Certification Process and Standards

• Understanding national and international organic standards.
• Certification bodies and their roles.
• Inspection process and requirements.
• Maintaining compliance with organic regulations.

Module 5: Record-Keeping and Documentation for Certification

• Importance of accurate records.
• Required documentation for organic certification.
• Developing a record-keeping system.
• Audit trail and traceability.

Module 6: Organic Crop Production Practices

• Crop rotation and diversification.
• Seed selection and management.
• Weed management strategies.
• Harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• Specific practices for various crop types.

Module 7: Organic Livestock Management Standards

• Animal welfare and ethical considerations.
• Organic feed and nutrition.
• Disease prevention and natural treatments.
• Pasture management and grazing.
• Housing and handling requirements.

Module 8: Organic Market Access and Value Chains

• Identifying organic market opportunities.
• Understanding organic value chains.
• Direct marketing and local food systems.
• Developing relationships with buyers.

Module 9: Marketing Organic Products

• Branding and labeling for organic products.
• Developing a marketing strategy.
• Utilizing online and offline marketing channels.
• Communicating the value of organic to consumers.

Module 10: Organic Farming and Environmental Sustainability

• Role of organic in biodiversity conservation.
• Water and soil conservation practices.
• Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
• Ecosystem services and ecological balance.

Module 11: Transitioning to Organic Farming

• Developing a transition plan.
• Overcoming challenges and barriers.
• Managing risks during the transition period.
• Accessing support and resources.

Module 12: Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Organic Agriculture

• Understanding relevant legislation and regulations.
• Labeling and advertising requirements.
• Import and export regulations.
• Legal compliance and risk management.

Module 13: Building Successful Organic Farming Enterprises

• Developing a business plan.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• Risk assessment and mitigation.
• Accessing funding and investment.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Organic Farms and Enterprises

• Analyzing real-world examples.
• Highlighting best practices and innovations.
• Documenting economic and environmental impacts.
• Farmer testimonials and insights.

Module 15: The Future of Organic Agriculture

• Emerging trends and innovations.
• Policy and support for organic farming.
• Role of technology and research.
• Building resilient and sustainable food systems.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.