Full course description
Course Description:
Organic Certification Fundamentals is a self-paced online course for farmers, producers, handlers, and others who are interested in becoming certified organic or transitioning farmland and production systems to organic certification. The course provides a practical introduction to what organic certification means, how the certification process works, and what certified operations need to do to demonstrate and maintain compliance with the USDA organic regulations. This course is part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, or TOPP, and is hosted by Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry Organic Certification Program.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain what organic certification is and why it matters.
- Identify the four scopes of organic certification: crop, wild crop, livestock, and handling.
- Describe the major steps in the organic certification process.
- Recognize the purpose and major components of an Organic System Plan.
- Explain how certifiers use applications, records, reviews, and inspections to verify compliance.
- Identify basic organic labeling requirements and appropriate uses of the USDA Organic seal.
- Develop an approach to recordkeeping that fits the needs of an operation.
- Prepare for an organic inspection, including records review, tracebacks, and mass balance checks.
- Explain how certification is granted, continued, and maintained.
- Identify resources and sources of support for organic certification and transition.
Course Topics:
- Introduction to Organic Certification Fundamentals
- Foundations & Regulations of Organic Certification
- Organic Systems Plans & Regulations
- Understanding Organic Label Claims and the USDA Seal
- Record Keeping & Inspection Readiness
- Granting Organic Certification & Maintaining Compliance
- Inspection Preparedness Through a Mock Inspection
Course Requirements:
Complete all modules.
Technical Requirements:
To participate fully in this course, you will need:
- An active email address for the individual participating in the course.
- A desktop computer or laptop (recommended): Canvas is available on mobile devices, but some content may appear differently.
- Access to a high-speed internet connection.
- A web browser compatible with Canvas: Chrome and Firefox are recommended.
- Headphones or speakers (closed captioning also available).
- Computer skills including Internet browsing, using email, typing, downloading files, and basic troubleshooting.
Need Help?
- If you need help accessing or registering for a course, please contact Clemson Online at onlineplus@clemson.edu.
- Our support email is monitored Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (EST). If you contact us in the evening or on the weekend, we will help you during the next business day.
- Please do not contact CCIT regarding CPE courses. Please reach out to Clemson Online so that we can assist you.
- Using Bulk Purchase? Please inform those you purchase seats for. They will receive an email invitation immediately upon enrollment. For more help, read about bulk enrollments in Catalog.