Are you a South Carolina farmer or someone who wants to learn about organic certification?

If so, the Clemson University Department of Plant Industry’s Organic Certification Program, in partnership with the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program, invites you to attend the Organic Certification Basics class.

Registration is underway for this class, slated for Sept. 11, Sept. 17 and Sept. 19.

What to expect

• Learn about organic certification and tools for new and transitioning organic farmers.
• Learn about inspections and record keeping requirements by participating in a mock inspection.

This event is targeted toward agricultural service providers, farmers or gardeners interested in organic certification or in transitioning to organic production. But anyone who is interested is encouraged to register.

Topics include

• Organic System Plans (OSP)
• Organic regulations
• Organic crop practices
• Addressing misconceptions about organic certification
• Inspections
• Record keeping requirements

Please bring a laptop or pen and paper to take notes.

Event details

• Cost: Free

Classroom Instruction

• • • Sept. 11, 2024
      • Phillips Market Center, 117 Ballard Court, West Columbia, SC 29172
      • Immediately following the workshop, there is an opportunity to attend the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program focus group. Review details and register for the focus group here. 

Lower State Inspection

• • • Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024
      • Clemson University Coastal REC, 2865 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29414

Upstate Inspection

• • • Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024
      • Clemson University Organic Research Center, 101 Ag Services Center, Clemson, SC 29634

Contacts:

• • Gavin Berry, [email protected], or (864) 646-2129, or
  • Catherine McGuinn, [email protected], or (864) 646-2121

To attend a mock inspection, you must attend the classroom learning portion. For inspections, please dress for a farm visit.

Register here: https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ifKrnSRpSML9UG