1	CORE Values William J. Marose Marose Ag-Consulting
2	CORE Values Has been certifying tree fruit grown locally in the Northeast, since 1995. Striving to maintain healthy, ecologically balanced growing environments. Operated as a project of Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet.
3	CORE Values Mothers & Others was a nonprofit consumer education and advocacy organization seeking to affect lasting protection of children's health and the environment.
4	CORE Values Is one of the first certification programs in the nation using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a basis for qualifying participants.
5	CORE Values IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests using the latest methods to minimize impacts on health and the environment. IPM growers use careful monitoring, pest-prevention measures and other techniques, applying pesticides only when absolutely necessary.
6	CORE Values Provide information about their farm operation including: Farm history How grower learned to manage pests Soil & water conservation practices Harvest & storage methods submitted with original application
7	Core Values Certification Certification committee reviewed farm plan for strengths & weaknesses. Certification was in part determined on a knowledge based inspection. Validate farm plan. Certification committee discussed inspectors observations & how grower is addressing weaknesses of farm plan.
8	CVN Inspection Information Based Decisions Must be able to discuss 6 primary pests & how control decisions are made. Have a plan for further pesticide use reduction. Are there any emerging issues and challenges?
9	CVN Inspection Educational Important to educate while evaluating. Most of the growers were in search of knowledge.
10	CVN Inspection Always started with a farm tour This was an easy way to get the grower to talk about his or her orchard. Learn about peculiarities of the individual farm.
11	CVN Inspection Don’t threaten the farmer Voluntary participation. Honey or vinegar?
12	CVN Inspection Don’t monopolize the conversation Let the grower talk. He or she will tell you what you need to know.
13	CVN Inspection Share information with the farmer Remember that these growers are good farmers and want to become better.
14	CVN Inspection Leave on a positive note Don’t elude to the final out come of the inspection. CVN decisions were made by committee of which the inspector was only one member. Leave an approximate time-line. Let them know who to contact with questions.
15	CVN Inspection Rewarding Enlightening