Michigan
May 21-22, 2026
THANK YOU, ANN ARBOR!
acaDEMY LIVE! came to Ann Arbor on May 21–22, and it delivered! Two days of deep, practical sessions covering risk assessment, fraud prevention, pesticide test navigation, and materials review.
The room was full of sharp, dedicated people, and the passion and commitment showed: the conversations were thorough, the sessions were substantive, and the energy carried straight through every moment.
We can’t wait to be back LIVE at other events this year!
Atlanta
August 17-18, 2026
Agenda details to come. Check back soon!
Holyoke, MA
September 24-25, 2026
Join ACA at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA. Final agenda details to come. The cost to attend is $400 and includes lunch on Day 1.
Agenda – subject to change
Day 1
8:30-9am – Registration
9-10:30am – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review Part I – Marni Karlin and Meredith Morgan
Verifying compliance with the organic regulations is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Using a risk-based approach (assessing the risk to organic integrity of operations and situations, and then using that assessment to inform compliance verification procedures) will benefit the entire system – it will maximize the use of certification and inspection resources and talent, minimize unnecessary burdens on operations, and enable resources to be put toward areas where there is higher risk of compromise to organic integrity. Join us as we present ACA’s new risk-based certification tools and consider how they can improve the work of inspectors, reviewers, and certification overall.
10:30-10:45am – Break
10:45-11:45am – Non-retail Labeling
11:45am-12:45pm – Lunch provided by ACA
12:45-1:45pm – Consulting vs. Technical Assistance for the Small Farm – Meredith Morgan, QCS
1:45-2pm – Break
2-3pm – Better Dry Matter Intake Calculations – Rachel Myers
3-3:15pm – Break
3:15-4:45pm – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review: Part II – Marni Karlin and Meredith Morgan
Day 2
9-10:30am – TOPP Talk
10:30-10:45am- Break
10:45am-12pm – AI in Action: Tools, Tips & Real-World Problem Solving for Organic Certification Staff
Bring your problems and we’ll work together to find a solution!
This hands-on workshop introduces organic certification staff to AI platforms and practical applications for their daily work. Participants will explore available tools, review best practices and data security policies, and then collaborate in small groups to tackle real certification challenges using AI, walking away with concrete strategies they can apply immediately.
Click here for a customizable budget worksheet and justification letter.
Portland, OR
October 1-2, 2026
Join us at the CLIMB Center, formerly known as the Central Portland Workforce Training Center, in central eastside Portland.
Final agenda details to come, but will include three hours of risk-based certification training as indicated below. The cost to attend is $400 and includes lunch on Day 1.
Agenda – subject to change
Day 1
8:30-9am – Registration
9-10:30am – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review Part I – Marni Karlin and Connie Karr
Verifying compliance with the organic regulations is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Using a risk-based approach (assessing the risk to organic integrity of operations and situations, and then using that assessment to inform compliance verification procedures) will benefit the entire system – it will maximize the use of certification and inspection resources and talent, minimize unnecessary burdens on operations, and enable resources to be put toward areas where there is higher risk of compromise to organic integrity. Join us as we present ACA’s new risk-based certification tools and consider how they can improve the work of inspectors, reviewers, and certification overall.
10:30-10:45am – Break
10:45-11:45am – Session II
11:45am-12:45pm – Lunch provided by ACA
12:45-1:45pm –Session III
1:45-2pm – Break
2-3pm –Session IV
3-3:15pm – Break
3:15-4:45pm – Using Risk Assessment to Improve Inspection and Certification Review: Part II – Marni Karlin and Connie Karr
Day 2
9-10:30am – Session I
10:30-10:45am- Break
10:45am-12pm – AI in Action: Tools, Tips & Real-World Problem Solving for Organic Certification Staff – Connie Karr
Bring your problems and we’ll work together to find a solution!
This hands-on workshop introduces organic certification staff to AI platforms and practical applications for their daily work. Participants will explore available tools, review best practices and data security policies, and then collaborate in small groups to tackle real certification challenges using AI, walking away with concrete strategies they can apply immediately.
Click here for a customizable budget worksheet and justification letter.