Organic Certification Essentials 1

Explore the Path to Organic Certification

This gathering brings together farmers, technical service providers, and agricultural professionals to learn, connect, and engage with others interested in organic certification. The event will feature lectures, panel discussions, farm tours, and opportunities for questions and answers with certifers and subject matter experts.

Are you a new and beginning farmer interested in growing organically? An experienced farmer considering the transition to certified organic production? An Extension agent or technical service provider looking for trustworthy resources to support your growers?

This event is designed for you.

Attend Organic Certification Essentials at Clemson University's Madren Conference Center for two days of conversation, shared expertise, and networking with farmers, Extension staff, and nonprofit partners, and the Clemson Organic Certification Program team.

Event Dates: July 21 and July 22, 2026

Registration will close on July 6, 2026. Please be sure to complete this Registration form to select farm tour + meals.

This event will include:

• A clear and comprehesive overview of the organic certification process
• Breakout sessions on select topics (see agenda below)
• An Ask-Your-Certifier booth
• Organic farm and processing facility tours
• Opportunities to connect and cultivate community among organic growers and processors

(Day 1) July 21, 2026

7:00 AM to 8:00 AM - Vendor Booth Setup

8:00 AM to 8:30 AM - Doors Open- Registration, Breakfast & Networking

8:30 AM to 9:00 AM - Official Welcome + A Word from Vendors

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Vendor Booths Open

9:00 AM to 9:45 AM - Overview of Organic Certification & How to use the CFR

9:45 AM to 10:00 AM - BREAK

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM - All About the Organic System Plan

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM - Break & Knowledge Check

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM - Recordkeeping for Inspection and Audit

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM - LUNCH

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM - Farmer Panel

1:45 PM - 2:00 - BREAK

2:00 PM - 4:45 PM - Breakout Sessions (see draft schedule here)

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM - Wrap Up, Question Box, Plan for Day 2

(Day 2) July 22, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM - Meet buses in the parking lot

8:15 AM - 9:00 AM - Tour Group 1 Travels to Greenfield Organic Farm

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM - Tour Group 2 Travels to Mushroom Mountain/MycoMatrix

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Farm Tours

11:00 AM -11:45 AM - Travel to Madren Conference Center

If you do not attend the farm tour, sessions will be held in Meeting Room 3.

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM - Sessions (Organic Policy & Ask-A-Certifier)

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Box Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Organic Research and Resources

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM - BREAK

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM - Granting Certification, Noncompliances & Corrective Actions

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM - Wrap Up, Final Thoughts + Questions

You will either visit one of these organic farms/facilities. Bus transportation will be provided. Due to space at the farm stop, driving your own vehicle will not be permitted unless due to special circumstances.

1. Greenfield Organic Farm
2. Mushroom Mountain/MycoMatrix

Refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days. You will be responsible for your own accomodations. There is a room block available at the Madren Conference Center.

To reserve a hotel room within the hotel block, they will need to call the hotel front desk and reference either the reservation code or the hotel block name (either option works), and the front desk staff will place them in the block and give them the correct group rate.

Hotel front desk number – 1-888-654-9020

Reservation Code – 260721ORGA

Hotel Block name – Organic Certification Essentials Workshop

Please complete this to select farm tour, informational session, and meal preferences.

If you have any questions, please contact the CU Organic Certification Program team at [email protected] or (864) 646-2129. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you there!

This event is sponsored by Clemson University's Organic Certification Program and the Southeastern Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

Venue Information

Madren Conference Center

230 Madren Center Drive

Clemson, SC 29634-5673

Toll Free: (888) 654-9020

Phone: (864) 656-9020

Website: www.cuconferencecenter.com

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Clemson University Conference Center and Inn, 230 Madren Center Drive, Clemson, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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