Inspector Qualifications

Inspectors must possess sufficient education, experience and training to assess criteria addressed in the Food Alliance standards, including:

• Farm Planning and Record Keeping    
• Soil/Water Conservation
• Crop Nutrition    
• Pesticide Applications
• Integrated Pest Management
• Natural Areas Management    
• Weather/Crop Monitoring
• Continuing Education
• Human Resources Management
• Safety Training

To ensure this is the case, all Food Alliance inspectors must have:

• At least 5 years work experience with a specific cropping/production system, which could include livestock, dairy, tree fruits, small fruits, vegetables, cereals, and diversified farm operations.
• At least a Bachelor of Science with a major in a discipline such as: Horticulture, Agronomy, Animal Science, Soil Science, Plant Science, Range Management, Agricultural Engineering, etc. Additional work experience can substitute for education. 
• Significant knowledge of conservation and sustainable agricultural management practices for the specific production systems they will evaluate.
  

• Able to observe, analyze and clearly document production practices in the field;
• Able to make unbiased decisions based on scientific evidence;
• Able to communicate knowledgeably, clearly and respectfully;
• Knowledgeable of agricultural chemicals, and their proper storage and application;
• Knowledge and ability to review agricultural records for completeness;