Certification Process
Using Organic Seals
Producers, Processors and Handlers
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Mission Statement
Clemson University is a USDA Accredited Certifying Agent. This accreditation allows Clemson to certify organic operations in all categories of certification: crop livestock handling, and wild crop. Clemson University strives to provide efficient and thorough certification service to South Carolina at a manageable expense as a public service to our state's agricultural industry.
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Fee Schedule
Scopes of Organic Certification: Crop, Livestock, and Handling/Processing
Initial Organic Certification:
- Certification Fee (Non-refundable): $750
- All-inclusive flat fee for initial certification.
Organic Certification Continuation:
- Application fee (Non-refundable): $200
- Gross Organic Sales Assessment: 0.5% of gross organic sales (previous calendar year)
Organic Certification of Exempt Operations:
- Annual flat fee (Non-refundable): $200
- Only applies to operations with total gross organic sales of <$5,000
- All other organic certification requirements apply
- Total certification costs are capped at a maximum of $7500
Miscellaneous Fees:
- Postage and handling of unsigned or incomplete applications - Actual cost
- Copies of official documents - Greater of $5 or $0.25/page
- Out of state travel - Mileage and expenses at the IRS rate
Late Fees for Organic Certification Continuation:
- Update applications and fees are due at the Clemson University office no later than March 1st.
- Any update applications and fees that are submitted after this time period will be charged a $100.00 late fee.
Last Updated: February 2019
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Online Fee Payment
Clemson University is now equipped to receive online payments for organic certification application and inspection fees. CU Marketplace ensures convenient and secure payment with a credit card. If you have questions about this system, please contact organic@clemson.edu or call at 864-646-2140
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Questions?
If you have any questions about fee structure, certificates, or certification status, organic certification or concerns about certified organic operations, please contact organic@clemson.edu or call 864-646-2140.
