The Institute for Organic Training and Advice, which provides accreditation and other professional development support services to organic advisers and trainers in the UK and Ireland, has agreed to merge with the Organic Research Centre. IOTA’s identity will be maintained in the new arrangement, but IOTA will receive more support in developing services to support organic advisers, trainers and other professionals working with organic businesses. For its part, ORC will focus on initiatives to disseminate research and other information to all advisers and trainers working in the UK and Ireland, and will cease to operate its commercial Organic Advisory Service, which in the past has been in competition with other providers.
The merger will be completed by the end of March 2012. Further information will be made available via the ORC and IOTA websites and e-bulletins as the process progresses.
