Workforce Development Needs Assessment for the Organic Industry

Content Source: Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP)

Resource Explained

Commissioned by USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), this 2025 report identifies a critical shortage of qualified organic inspectors and certification reviewers — with 82% of certification bodies lacking sufficient inspectors. It examines workforce demographics, skills gaps, career entry barriers, and training access, recommending coordinated industry action to grow and strengthen the organic certification workforce.

Region

Midwest, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Northwest, Plains, Southeast, West/Southwest

Topic

Transitioning to Organic, Business and Marketing

Year Published

2025

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Created and maintained by the Organic Farming Research Foundation.