Lois Christie

Curriculum Vitae — 2026

My unusual résumé as a paralegal for 16 years, an organic farmer in Baja California, Mexico for 11 years, overlapping 20 years as an organic inspector, final reviewer, and certification reviewer and associate, inspector coordinator and trainer, totaling 28 years in the organic industry (1998–2026), has uniquely prepared me for my work as a consultant in the organic industry. These experiences have provided me with research, investigative and report-writing skills, an understanding of regulations and standards, and facilitated my becoming fluent in Spanish, increased my knowledge of organic farming and processing protocols, and contributed to my awareness of the need for strong worldwide organic certification standards.

Christie Organic Consulting

www.christieorganic.com — 2012 to present

A full-service organic consulting company providing:

  • Specialization in non-compliance resolution, mediations, and appeals.
  • Certification set-up and program management for simple to complex processing, crop, retail, and wild harvest, including any required international scopes and equivalencies, such as Canada and the EU.
  • Specialization in mediations, settlement negotiations, and appeals, and difficult Compliance Report responses.
  • Specialization in Mexico, including operations certified to the USDA National Organic Standards and Mexico’s Organic Standards (Reglamento de la Ley de Productos Orgánicos).
  • Trainings and evaluations for many scopes of certification (grower, handler, processor, distributor, broker).
  • Organic program management (set up new systems and documentation, and/or make recommendations for existing systems).
  • Third-party internal audits and pre-inspection audits.
  • Latin America: Mexico regulations, GAP analyses, seed importation, OTA and FAS (worked with the Foreign Ag Service on a project with SAGARPA/SENASICA regarding allowed seed treatments).
  • Expert witness services for court.

Qualifications

Organic Consultant & Organic Farmer
Christie Organic Consultants, 2012–present; The Organic Consulting Firm (partner), 2009–2012; Fiesta Farms (sole proprietor) — totaling 28 years, 1998–2009.
International Organic Inspectors’ Association (IOIA)
Chairman of the Board, 2019–2020; Secretary, 2018.
Auditor / Inspector
Conducted over 1,800 audits (both grower & processor) in English & Spanish. Locations: US, Mexico, and London.
Certification Agencies
CCOF, QAI, OMRI, Soil Association (UK), One Cert, GOCA, ONIC, OTCO, MOSA, Marin County.
Producer / Grower Audits
Small agricultural farms to large complex farms with handling and processing; greenhouses (high-tech and shade houses); grower groups and co-ops. Includes row crops, fruit trees, herbs, coffee, mangos, pineapples, ornamental flowers, vineyards, sprouts, mushrooms, tea, and wildcrafting, plus complex processing operations.
Processor Audits
Complex, multi-ingredient processors: oil extraction, sugar, distilled spirits (wine/beer/tequila/spirits), tea/coffee (blending/roasting), juicing/extrusion, pitting, dehydration, freezing, milling, drying, and pasteurizing; third-party inspections (salt, health and beauty care), etc.
Final Certifier Reviewer
Performed final reviews for USDA NOP accredited certification companies for complex grower and complex multi-ingredient processor operations.

Trainings Presented by Lois Christie

  • Virtual inspections during COVID-19 — lead of the committee to establish protocols.
  • Regular trainings for private companies (distributors, buyers, growers, processors, regulatory compliance, grower groups, and retail stores).
  • Leader in technical/digital inspecting and training (“Inspector Gadget” trainings with IOIA on going paperless in the digital age — for inspectors and certifying agencies, 2012–2014); various company and individual trainings for digital/electronic auditing and pre-inspections.
  • IOIA: advanced inspector training programs; service on committees to create higher inspector standards such as peer-to-peer inspector trainings; peer evaluations (inspections) for the USDA and accredited certification companies.
  • Small Farm Conference organic certification training.
  • CCOF Certification Services trainer (farm and processor), 2002–2019; mentor with shadow audits for new inspectors.
  • Organic spirit processing (tequila and mezcal) specializing in organic agave production (Costa Rica, 2014); Tequila Sauza (through present).

Related Trainings

  • IOIA advanced inspector trainings, 2003–2014; livestock webinar training, 2010–2012; various livestock trainings on new rules.
  • United Fresh Produce conference trainings, organic wineries processor trainings, Eco-Farm, Natural Products Expo, transplant fertility, organic crop rotations, conservation benefits, SAGARPA Ley de Modernización training in Mexico City, QAI advanced mass audit training, entomology (in Spanish), PMA Fresh Summit trainings.
  • Non-GMO Project verification.
  • GlobalG.A.P. and HACCP food safety trainings.
  • EU (ACB Standard).
  • Quality Assurance International (QAI) trainings, 2002–2013.
  • CCOF annual trainings, 2001–2023.
  • OTCO annual trainings, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2015.
  • Japan (JAS) compliance trainings.
  • Canadian regulations (COR).
  • ISO 9000/9001 Lead Auditor training.
  • Various Organic Trade Association conference trainings.

Committees, Forums & Task Forces

IOIA

  • Chairman of the Board, 2019–2020.
  • Secretary, 2018.
  • Peer-to-Peer Inspector Training.
  • Evaluation Sub-Committee Co-Chair.

Forums & Task Forces

  • Mexico Regulatory Working Group (SAGARPA, pending implementation).
  • Mexico Seed Task Force.
  • International Organic Inspectors Association.
  • OTA committees: Fertilizers, Ingredients, Health & Beauty Care Products, Coffee, Mexico Seed Regulations.
  • OTA Mexico Organic Regulation Task Force.
  • NOSB Task Force.
  • CCOF Certification Review Committee.
  • Coffee Task Force.
  • Oasis Health & Beauty Care Products.

Associations & Memberships

  • Organic Trade Association (OTA)
  • The Accredited Certifiers Association, Inc. (ACA)
  • International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA)
  • Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce
  • CCOF Certification Services
  • Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
  • CCOF Certification Board
  • Coalition for Sustainable Organics

Additional Qualifications & Academic

Additional: Computer proficient; created electronic/digital inspection protocols. English; Spanish as a second language (second home in Mexico).

Academic: Undergraduate coursework in agriculture, oceanography, biology, and business; certified paralegal, 1976; independent studies of organic agriculture and horticulture; completion of the School of Self-Heal Clinic Certification Program for Herbal Medicine. Attended San Diego State University, Grossmont Jr. College, and Mt. Miguel High School, San Diego, California.

Prior Experience

The Organic Consulting Firm (The OCF) — Owner / Partner, 2008–2012

An international full-service company providing evaluation, development, training, and verification to the USDA NOP and international organic standards. The OCF served both the global and local organic communities, with expertise across all areas of organic production, including crop, livestock, processing, and personal health and beauty care products. Projects included set-up and training of large grower groups in Chihuahua and Baja California Sur, Mexico, and elsewhere, plus managing organic programs for large growers and processors.

Content Verified (a subsidiary of The OCF)

An international custom auditing and verification company providing evaluation, development, and verification services, established to serve products that did not qualify for certification under the National Organic Program regulations. Content Verified guided clients through verifying the organic content of their health and beauty care products to the Content Verified Ingredient Standard (CVI 3000).

CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) — Regional Certification Associate, June 2001–June 2009

Initiated the At Large Region for clients located outside of California, including Canada and Latin America. Coordinated the organic certification process, reviewed applications, hired and trained inspectors, assigned inspections, completed final reviews for complex growers and processors, provided client assistance relating to the certification process, performed public relations interviews on relevant local issues, and delivered promotional lectures on the organic certification process.

Fiesta Farms — Owner / Manager, Baja California, Mexico, 1989–2010

Organic culinary and medicinal commercial herb farm and manufacturing company in Baja California, Mexico, consisting of 120 acres of growing and a 12-acre show farm of flowers, culinary and medicinal herbs, and vegetables. Activities spanned planting and propagating, harvest and post-harvest handling, greenhouses, and research and implementation of organic methods. Manufactured finished products such as herbal vinegars and oils, wreaths and dried floral designs, basil and cilantro pestos, and other foods. Handled international import/export, R&D of agriculture and finished products, merchandising, and procurement of Mexican and US export licenses and permits. Taught medicinal and culinary herb classes and organized events including native and medicinal herb walks, classes, wine festivals, tours, trade shows, organic seminars, and publications. Managed all marketing and sales, and grew several varieties of rosemary for preservative research by a large US company.

Sanoviv Medical Resort — Baja California, Mexico

Concurrent with Fiesta Farms: growing and procuring organic produce used at the world-renowned medical spa / alternative hospital on the coast of Baja California (south of Rosarito). Initiated the organic certification process, conducted R&D for new programs, and handled merchandising of organic food, cosmetics, clothing, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Planned and planted an on-site organic demonstration glass greenhouse and created an edible and fragrant organic landscape.

Paralegal / Legal Secretary — 16 Years (US & International Law)

Specializations in US and international law: research, offshore corporations, trial preparation, writing motions, client meetings (agendas and preparation), file organization, and writing and administrative work. Practice areas included litigation, criminal, real estate, and divorce law.

Training Matrix, 2001–2026

34 years in the organic industry — farming, consulting, inspecting, certifier final reviewer.

Bold rows indicate trainings given and/or committees, task forces, and forums in which Lois participated.

Date Training Trainer / Body Hours
2025/2026 IOIA Advanced Training IOIA 8
3/21/2024 & 8/16/2024 Organic Fraud Prevention Plans — the SOE Fraud Prevention Tool IOIA Advanced Training 8
2022–2023, 8/4/2023 Strengthening of Enforcement (SOE) 206.101 changes — what inspectors need to know (2024 implementation updates) IOIA 2
2022–2023 ACA / NOP Annual Training USDA NOP 12
1/25–1/26/2021 USDA National Organic Program Training USDA NOP 16
1/27–1/28/2021 IOIA Advanced Training IOIA 16
2/1–2/3/2021 IOIA Advanced Training (attendee & trainer) IOIA 18
2/25–2/26/2021 USDA National Organic Program Training USDA NOP 16
2/27–2/28/2021 ACA Training ACA 18
4/16/2021 Maximizing Carbon Sequestration Virtual 3
5/24/2021 NOP-100: Organic Fraud and the Criminal Mind USDA Integrity Learning Center 3
6/2/2021 Bulk Vessel Shipment and Receiving Training ACA; Garth Kahl 1.5
8/5/2021 Hemp Production and Processing (fiber and oils) OTA 1.5
2021 Total Hours 93
1/29/2020 ACA Annual Training, San Antonio, TX ACA 8
1/28/2020 National Organic Program Certifier Training, San Antonio, TX USDA NOP 8
1/30/2020 IOIA Advanced Training, San Antonio, TX IOIA 10
1/29/2020 New Rules: Requirements for Use of Organic Flavors OTA 1.5
3/19/2020 IOIA Level 300 Organic Cosmetics Training IOIA 6
3/25–4/19/2020 Lead on ACA–IOIA committee to create a Best Practices document on virtual inspections during COVID-19 ACA & IOIA 25
From 3/26/2020 (weekly) Lead team member for weekly Town Hall inspector trainings on COVID-19 recommendations and virtual inspecting IOIA 15
5/1/2020 Prepared remote inspection training (English) IOIA 90
5/15/2020 Prepared remote inspection training (Spanish) for CIAO — 21 Latin American government bodies, incl. Spain IOIA 10
6/26/2020 Created remote training in Spanish for Latin America IOIA 10
7/1/2020 Biodiversity and Profitability on Organic Farms The Organic Center / OTA 2
7/15/2020 Coffee with the Deputy (Jenny Tucker, USDA NOP Deputy) USDA NOP 1
8/6/2020 Soil & Water Management and Integrated Pest Management OFAC 3
8/20/2020 USDA Proposed Rule on Bioengineered (GMO) Food Disclosure Compliance World 3
8/26/2020 OMRI México — Información para Solicitantes OMRI 1.5
9/16/2020 Coffee with the Deputy (USDA NOP Deputy) USDA NOP 1
2020 Total Hours 195
10/4/2019 Assessing Biodiversity and Natural Resources on the Farm (Advanced Level 300) IOIA 10
10/3/2019 Trainer — CCOF In-House Training CCOF 2
10/3/2019 In-House Inspector Training CCOF 8
8/21/2019 CBD in Supplements NutraIngredients 1.5
7/2/2019 Organic Hemp Oregon Tilth Certification 2
4/11/2019 Organic Fraud Prevention Solutions OTA 1
3/20/2019 Organic’s Impact on Human Health The Organic Center / OTA 1
3/13/2019 2018 Farm Bill Listening Session on Domestic Hemp Production USDA AMS 2
3/5/2019 Elected Chairman of the Board IOIA 60
3/1/2019 SAGARPA Regulations Panel, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico IOIA Advanced Training 4
3/1/2019 Advanced Inspector Training; LPO (SAGARPA) Regulations, Huatulco IOIA Advanced Training 8
2/29/2019 Apiculture Advanced Training, Huatulco IOIA Advanced Training 12
Various CCOF Inspector Trainings CCOF 2
1/26/2019 Presentation: What’s Happening with Organics in Mexico? Eco-Farm Conference, Monterey, CA 2
2019 Total Hours 90
3/1/2018 International Organic Inspectors’ Training, Charleston, SC IOIA 27
5/7/2018 CCOF Inspector Training CCOF 4
8/6/2018 Mexico Standards Training CCOF 1.2
8/24–8/25/2018 Pitahaya / Dragon Fruit Production Seminar San Diego County Farm Bureau / UC Extension 16
2018 Total Hours 48.2
1/31/2017 Non-GMO Certification Training FoodChain ID / IOIA 8
3/3/2017 Food Safety Workshop for Produce Growers CCOF / FamilyFarmed 8
3/28/2017 Sustainability Metrics & Transparency in the Food Chain CCOF (webinar) 1.5
2017 CCOF Inspector Training CCOF Online 2
2017 Total Hours 19.5
1/29/2016 Inspection Sampling Training CCOF 2
2/15/2016 Identifying Resource Concerns USDA NRCS 1
2/22/2016 Biodiversity Webinar The Organic Center & Furman University 1
2/23/2016 Sound & Sensible Webinar USDA NOP 1
3/10/2016 Educational Series Natural Products Expo West 7
4/7/2016 Advanced Inspector Trainings IOIA 30
5/16/2016 Inspector Training Webinar (incl. biodiversity requirements) CCOF 1.5
6/6/2016 Mexico Sampling Training CCOF 0.5
10/5/2016 Biodiversity Conservation Guidance Wild Farm Alliance / eOrganic 2
11/7/2016 Advanced Inspector’s Training (Mexico), San Miguel de Allende CCOF, on-site 16
2016 Total Hours 62
1/8/2015 CCOF Inspector Training CCOF 2
2/3/2015 Non-GMO Training The Non-GMO Project 3
3/5/2015 Educational Classes Natural Products Expo West 4
3/9/2015 Trainer — Organic Certification Small Farm Conference —
3/13/2015 OTCO (Oregon Tilth) Inspector Training OTCO 2.5
3/29/2015 Trainer — Technology Tools (IOIA Advanced) IOIA —
3/30/2015 IOIA Advanced Training & AMG Meeting IOIA 16
4/3/2015 OTCO Inspector Training Webinar OTCO 1.5
4/16/2015 Sustainable / Organic Production Seminar CAPCA / OFAC 8
4/21/2015 NOSB Attendance (Sunset Review System) OTA 3
4/16/2015 Organic Production in Southern California Training OFAC, San Diego Chapter 8
5/7/2015 CCOF Inspector Training (recording) CCOF 2
6/10–6/11/2015 OMRI Training for SAGARPA / SENASICA OMRI & OTA with SAGARPA & SENASICA 16
11/20/2015 Chinese Organic Standards CCOF 2
12/14/2015 CCOF Inspector Training CCOF 2
2015 Total Hours 70
11/1/2014 Trainer — Jujube Grower Certification Training CA Center for Cooperative Development —
9/17/2014 Hydroponic Certification Webinar Oregon Tilth 2
7/6/2014 NOSB Comments & Attendance re: Sunset of Sulfurous Christie Organic Consultants 3 days
7/6/2014 Trainer — Implementation of Mexican Organic Regulations / GAP Analyses Christie Organic Consultants —
6/6/2014 NOP Seed Ruling & Sourcing Organic Seeds eOrganic Webinar 2
6/5/2014 OMRI Materials Webinar OMRI 3
5/29/2014 CCOF Sampling Training Webinar CCOF 2
3/20/2014 Presenter — Organic Agave Production & Tequila/Mezcal Processing in Mexico Christie Organic Consultants —
3/18–3/26/2014 Advanced Inspector Training, Costa Rica IOIA 16
3/18/2014 USDA Certifier Presentation, Costa Rica USDA 8
3/7/2014 OTCO Pesticide Training Webinar Oregon Tilth 1.5
1/22–1/25/2014 Eco-Farm Trainings (4 days) Eco-Farm 16
2014 Total Hours 58.25
1/23–1/26/2013 Eco-Farm Conference Trainings Eco-Farm 13
3/21–3/24/2013 IOIA Advanced Inspector Training IOIA 24
3/28/2013 Presenter — Inspector Gadget Training Eco-Farm —
4/22/2013 Excel Training Excel Courses Online 4
5/15/2013 United Fresh Produce Trainings United Fresh 3
9/17/2013 NSF/ANSI 305 Personal Care Program Training OTCO (webinar) 3
11/25/2013 Presenter — Inspector Gadget Training CCOF —
11/26/2013 Organic Wineries — Production (Advanced Level 300) IOIA 6
2013 Total Hours 54
1/29/2012 Transplant Fertility Training eOrganic 2
1/27/2012 CCOF Inspector Training CCOF 6
8/9/2012 Organic Crop Rotations & Conservation Benefits Jim Riddle 6
8/31/2012 SAGARPA Ley de Modernización Training SAGARPA Mexico 2
9/10/2012 QAI Advanced Mass Audit Balance Training QAI 3
10/25/2012 Entomology (Spanish) UC Extension 2
10/26/2012 PMA Fresh Summit Trainings PMA 6
11/15/2012 GlobalG.A.P. Training NSF / Fresno 16
2012 Total Hours 43
2011 Advanced Inspector Training (FL); Expo West; ATSA Seed Conference (Mérida); GlobalG.A.P.; QAI Inspector; NCAT Program; assorted webinars IOIA, NSF, OTA & ATSA, NRCS, eOrganic, CCOF —
2009–2010 Inspector trainings; International Organic Standards; Wine; Livestock; Canadian Organic Regime; JAS (Japan); EU QAI, CCOF, IOIA —
2007–2008 NOP Accredited Certifier; Advanced Inspector (Processor, Grower Group, Risk-Based Audit Trails, IPM, Food Safety); Final Reviewer; Certification Service Rep & Handler Review Team Policy EcoFarm/USDA, IOIA, CCOF —
2002–2006 Grower & Processor Inspector; Final/Review Committee; ISO 9001:2000 Lead Auditor; JAS; GAP (Cornell/CCOF); AIB Food Safety; QTV Fresh-Cut Program; IPM CCOF, IOIA, CDFA/USDA, AQS, AIB, Cornell, UC Extension —