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The movement towards independent, third-party audited certification systems has created a wealth of new and exciting market opportunities for producers of specialty products. It is often the case that small producers lack the expertise and organization required to meet the rigorous standards of third-party inspections. Agricultural Innovations offers certification assistance to producers and cooperatives in order to guarantee that their production and organization methods will meet the standards of the certifying agency. Our certification assistance program goes hand in hand with our project planning services, and certification can be added as a component to the development and implementation of sustainable resource management systems. For more information on specific areas of certification, click on the tabs below.  Agricultural Innovations provides consulting services to producers and producer cooperatives to assist in the development of an organic production system that will meet the National Organics Program (NOP) standards. We are a member of the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA), and are thoroughly familiar with the NOP standards and their application in the field.
With a growth rate of 20% per year and a projected market share of $30.7 billion by 2007, organic production is the fastest growing food segment in the U.S. economy. As awareness among consumers grows, more and more people are buying organic for its health, environmental, and culinary benefits. Farmers are attracted to organic production because of the economic premiums that organic products have in local and international markets. In addition, producers are beginning to realize that sustainable yields can be maintained without the need for costly inputs.
The Fair Trade movement is a certification system based on transparency, fair prices, environmental protection and occupational health. Agricultural Innovations can assist producers and producer cooperatives to achieve the level of organization necessary to be in full compliance with the Fair Trade standards developed by the Fair Trade Labeling Organizations (FLO). Fair Trade certification guarantees a minimum market price for the product and improves product marketability by providing greater access to overseas markets. Already the criteria for tea, cocoa, and coffee are well established. As the market for Fair Trade products expands, we work hand in hand with producer groups to develop standards and markets for a variety of fairly traded products.
 Smart Wood is a program designed to provide independent verification of sustainable forest management practices. Like other certification programs, SmartWood requires sound ecological management, superior organizational skills, and a detailed knowledge of the certification criteria.
Agricultural Innovations can assist forest management operations in the development of management plans and organizational procedures in order to gain SmartWood certification. The use of GIS in forest management increases efficiency while enabling forest managers to monitor and document the protection of critical habitat. These are important capabilities that will greatly enhance the prospects of attaining and maintaining Smart Wood certification.
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