Terms of Reference (TOR) for Capacity Building on Organic Agriculture Certification Requirements
About Centre for Social Markets
Founded in 2002, CSM is a Not-for-Profit Organisation that has been an early proponent of business and multi-stakeholder engagement in Climate Action in India. CSM has systematically worked in the field of Climate Change Response, Sustainable Agriculture and Responsible Business conduct by- publishing extensive research, creating learning material, organizing education and awareness activities on climate change, corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices.
Over the past decade CSM has been developing a programmatic approach in these areas and is incubating the Fairtrade India Project for developing sustainable and equitable food and fashion systems in India; undertaking a Climate Response & Resource Conservation Action (CRREA) project in the Western Ghats; developing an integrated sustainable value-chain with the tribal community of Andhra Pradesh and undertaking education campaigns related to SDG12, Fairtrade and adoption of sustainable practices by businesses, institutions and citizens. CSM aims to create an eco-system of businesses, farmer organisations, government agencies, institutions and citizens who will champion and mainstream sustainability in India.
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1. Background
CSM under its project for “Developing an integrated sustainable value-chain with the tribal community of Andhra Pradesh” is supporting the community to achieve Organic Certification status. Organic agriculture is a sustainable farming practice that ensures environmental protection, soil fertility, and biodiversity conservation while meeting consumer demand for organic products. To obtain the organic certification, farmer groups must implement not only implement Organic farming practices but need to also set up Internal Control Systems (ICS) and adopt management practices to ensure compliance with Organic Certification requirements. This Consultancy assignment would be to build capacity and guide the FPOs and the implementation partner (CSM) with regards to the Organic Certification requirements.
2. Objectives
The primary objectives of the Consultancy assignment are:
• To provide the FPOs and the implementation partner (CSM) a full understanding of the organic certification requirements for NPOP and NOP.
• To enhance participants' understanding of organic agriculture principles and certification processes and what are the dos and don’ts and how it would differ from other cultivation practices for natural farming.
• To develop capacity in setting up and managing an Internal Control System (ICS) for organic certification.
• To train participants on record-keeping, inspection, and compliance monitoring within ICS.
• To provide practical insights and case studies on successful ICS implementation
3. Scope of Work
The capacity building program needs to cover the following key topics for the FPO certification in Alluri Sitarama Raju District of Andhra Pradesh:
There are 2 New ICS which would apply for 1st year organic certification and 1 ICS which would need support for its second year certification in two project locations (i.e. two blocks) within Alluri Sitharama District, Andhra Pradesh.
3.1 For New ICS need to cover introduction to Organic Agriculture and Certification Standards.
• Detailed requirements of the systems, processes and activities to be undertaken to obtain NPOP and NOP certification
• Roles and Responsibilities of different positions mandated for Organic certification including- ICS Managers and Inspectors
• Documentation and Record-Keeping requirements along with templates for various physical and digital record-keeping
• Techniques for Risk Assessment and compliance Monitoring
• Conducting Internal Inspections and Non-Conformity Management
• Case Studies and Best Practices in ICS Implementation
• Developing an action plan for ICS strengthening and achievement of Organic Certification
• Monitoring the implementation of the Organic Certification requirements by the FPO and Implementation partner
• Trouble shooting during the implementation of the action plan for Organic Certification requirements.
• Support with data upload on Tracenet
• Support in Identifying suitable Certification Body (CB) and closely coordinate to fulfil all the requirements of certification.
3.2 For the ICS which has completed year-1 certification the work would be:
• Review existing ICS compliance status, suggest and monitor implementation of gaps.
• Provide support with any updated organic certification requirements as per the APEDA.
• Support during the organic certification process.
4. Capacity Building Methodology
The capacity building process will employ a combination of:
• Interactive face to face lectures and presentations to key trainers and staff
• Practical exercises and case studies
• Providing training manuals, handbooks and templates for implementing Organic Certification requirements.
• Remote training and reviews of the certification implementation
• Periodic visits during the key milestones for the Organic Certification for the first year of implementation including before/during the initial year audit
• Remote support for the Organic Certifications across the 3 ICS.
5. Deliverables
By the end of the consulting engagement the following outputs and outcomes should be achieved:
• The implementation team should have a clear understanding of organic Certification and ICS requirements.
• Be able to establish and manage an effective ICS for their farmer groups.
• Possess the skills to conduct internal inspections and maintain compliance documentation and train the member farmers about the certification requirements.
• The FPO should successfully complete the first year of the Organic Certification for two organizations and second year of Organic Certification for one organization.
6. Qualifications and Technical Expertise
The Trainers/Consultants interested to apply should have the following qualifications:
• Should have hands-on experience of managing and implementing Organic Certifications with atleast 5 to 10 years of experience
• Should have a proven track record of training and establishing ICS and Organic Certification systems
• Should be knowledgeable about the latest Organic Certification requirements stipulated by APEDA
• Should have experience of field extension services to farmers
• Ability to communicate Telugu would be preferred
• Experience of Organic Certification requirements for Coffee, Spices and Millets would be a plus
7. Application Process
Interested applicants should send the following documents to
info@csmworld.org by the 09th of Aug 2026:
• Resume/proposals highlighting relevant experience in Organic Certification and Organic Certification training.
• Full Commercial proposal specifying professional fees, travel, food & accomodation for field visits for undertaking the assignment. The Commercial proposal should be presented on a milestone basis and on a per ICS basis as the start of the preparation for the two projects may happen at different times.
• References of previous Organic Certification training would be required if selected.