ACA has supporting members who can perform internal audits for certifiers. Certifiers should contact the internal auditor to find a good fit for your organization.
SILKE FUCHSHOFEN has a B.Sc. in Agriculture, she worked on farms, for certifiers, as an independent organic inspector, and she was instrumental in the development of the Fair Trade program FairTSA. Silke has conducted annual program reviews and other internal audits for US and international organic certification agencies with great success. Findings are used to determine areas for improvement and underlying issues are identified through root cause analysis. Internal audits do not have to mimic the NOP audit format and the annual program review can be used to discuss possible solutions. The certifier “owns” the findings and Silke offers the option that audit observations and results are presented in the form of staff training. Silke is a trained mediator and invites the certifier to regard the annual program review as an opportunity to spend quality time with the review of systems together with an outside set of eyes. For auditing testimonials visit www.organicinsights.com/testimonials. Silke can be reached at silke@organicinsights.com.
KRISTIN MATULKA is a freelance organic regulation compliance auditor who works from her small, diverse homestead in rural Nebraska. Kristin left the fast-paced world of litigation as an established legal assistant to practice her passion for organic permaculture. With roots in the ground level of organic principles, she launched into the heart of organic regulations and certifier accreditation in 2018. Kristin is convinced that strong certification bodies lend themselves to stronger producers and currently works with many widely recognized organic certifiers, providing quality system, accreditation, and internal audit support, specializing in ISO/IEC 17065, USDA National Organic Program and other programs. You can reach Kristin at Kristin@officeofkristinmatulka.com.
Attorney CHRIS VAN HOOK has been working in the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations since the program began in 2003. He became accredited by the USDA NOP as a certifier of crops, processing, livestock, and wild harvest in early 2004. Chris Van Hook can also provide expert assistance with annual internal reviews, writing of procedures, and reviewing company policies as well. Available globally. You can reach Chris at chris@cvanhooklaw.com.