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Certified South Carolina Program Terms & Conditions

Through my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the following terms during the application process and throughout my participation in the Certified South Carolina Program: The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (“SCDA”) hereby grants Applicant a revocable, limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the applicable Certified SC logo symbols (the “Marks”) in connection with the making, growing, selling, promotion, marketing, and producing of South Carolina products. This license and the right to use hereunder is effective only so long as such products meet the quality and standards of this Agreement and Applicant complies with all the terms, conditions, and reporting requirements of the Certified SC Program, or until sooner terminated hereunder. Applicant hereby agrees, as part of the application process, and throughout the duration of this Agreement, to allow SCDA to conduct farm visits upon request, with reasonable notice, and at a mutually agreeable time. Applicant represents, covenants, and agrees that it will use the Marks only in the form and manner approved by SCDA. The Marks shall only be used on products identified herein and kept on file with SCDA. Changes to Applicant’s business model, method of sale (i.e., wholesale or retail), or the introduction of a new product category will require re-application for permission to use the Marks. Alterations made to any identified products will require reapplication for permission to use the Marks. Applicant understands the Marks may only be used on labels or packaging of approved South Carolina grown, processed, or manufactured products. By submission of this survey, Applicant acknowledges and agrees that the nature and quality of Applicant’s products, branding, marketing initiatives, and online presence (including but not limited to blogs, websites, Instagram accounts, Facebook accounts, and other social media accounts) shall conform to any standards which may be set from time to time by SCDA. Applicant further acknowledges that the Certified South Carolina Marks are not to be used in any derogatory, scornful, derisive, or disparaging manner, in parody, or in connection with content that, at the discretion Signature Date of SCDA, does not portray an image or connotation consistent with that desired by SCDA. In the event SCDA determines, at its sole discretion, that Applicant has failed to meet such standards, SCDA reserves the right to revoke Applicant’s use of the Marks immediately. This license and the right to use the Marks is effective only so long as such products meet applicable regulatory safety and compliance standards. Applicant must ensure that all that all products that bear the Marks are in and remain in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to food safety and labeling laws and regulations. Applicant acknowledges this Certified SC Program does not replace the state and federal regulatory and inspection requirements and participation in the Certified SC Program, alone, does not ensure that an applicant can legally sell his or her product. Applicant agrees to only utilize the Marks on top-quality products. No culls or second quality products may bear the Marks. Applicant agrees to immediately discontinue the use of Marks on items that, as determined by SCDA, do not conform to the Certified South Carolina Program Standards, upon written notification from SCDA. SCDA reserves the right to revoke Applicant’s use of the Marks immediately in case of abuse of the Marks. Upon revocation of Applicant’s license or termination of this Agreement, all rights and privileges herein granted to Applicant shall cease and terminate and Applicant shall immediately cease to use the Marks in any manner whatsoever and no products, containers, packaging, labels advertising or publicity material bearing the Marks shall be sold or otherwise publicly distributed. Unauthorized use after revocation of Applicant’s license or termination of this Agreement may result in liability and prosecution under Federal Trademark Law. Applicant agrees the Marks do not constitute any type of endorsement by either SCDA or the State of South Carolina. Applicant further agrees to abide by the terms and conditions for the reproduction and use of the logo as provided in the “Certified South Carolina Style Manual.” Please allow 2 weeks for processing, provided a complete application is submitted.

Certified South Carolina Program Terms & Conditions

Through my signature below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the following terms during the application process and throughout my participation in the Certified South Carolina Program:

The Certified SC Grown, Certified SC Product, and Certified SC Seafood logo symbols shall only be used on products identified herein and kept on file with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Alterations made to any identified products will require re-application for permission to use the logo. Applicant understands this request is for the use of the Certified SC Seafood logo on labels or packaging of South Carolina Seafood that is grown or harvested in SC or on any seafood product that is landed at a South Carolina dock only. Applicant agrees to only utilize the logo on top quality products. No culls or second quality product may bear the logo. Applicant agrees to immediately discontinue use of logo on items that do not conform to the “Certified South Carolina Program Standards” upon written notification from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture reserves the right to revoke Applicant’s use of the logo at any time use of the logo has been abused. Unauthorized use may also result in liability and prosecution under Federal Trademark Law. Applicant agrees the logo does not constitute any type of endorsement by either the South Carolina Department of Agriculture or the State of South Carolina. The Applicant also agrees to notify the South Carolina Department of Agriculture if sourcing changes in a way that affects your eligibility. Applicant further agrees to abide by the terms and conditions for the reproduction and use of the logo as provided in the “Certified South Carolina Style Manual.”

By signing this agreement you agree to provide source verification to the SC Department of Agriculture and/or the SC Department of Natural Resources for products that bear the Certified SC Seafood logo with either an invoice or bill of laden if requested.

Certified South Carolina Program Terms & Agreements

The Certified South Carolina program is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) to brand and promote South Carolina produce and products. Our goal is for consumers to easily identify, find and buy South Carolina products. The Certified South Carolina program is free to join and membership is made by application to and acceptance by the SCDA, Marketing Department.

The Associate Member Application is a Licensing Agreement for promotional use of the Certified SC Grown® and Certified SC Product® logos. Any business that promotes and sells Certified South Carolina members product may apply as an Associate Member.

The Associate Membership is open to any grocery stores, restaurants, food distributors, school, hospital, community based farmers market, specialty and other retail stores that owns and/or operates a location in South Carolina and that is permitted in accordance with all state and local laws is eligible to apply.

Associate Members may reproduce the appropriate logo, as outlined in the style manual, for use in promoting qualified agricultural products grown or processed in South Carolina. The logo(s) may be used in promotional print advertising and signage, television, or other mediums as appropriate upon approval from the Certified South Carolina program coordinator.

The Certified South Carolina Grown logo shall only be used on first quality products, grown in South Carolina, that meet the US #1 Quality Grade Standard, or higher U.S. Grade Standards, whichever is the accepted USDA industry grade standard for that commodity. The logo shall not be used on secondary labels or cull products.

The Certified South Carolina Product logo shall only be used to promote approved and participating Certified South Carolina members. All Certified SC Products must meet the accepted USDA or FDA industry standards for the product, whichever is appropriate. Any processed, cooked or manufactured item must be produced and packaged to accepted industry standards in an approved kitchen or facility. This includes value added products, manufactured food products, and other agricultural products that may be further sorted, graded, blended, processed and packaged, in South Carolina.

Trademark Statement
Permission for use of this Federally Trademarked material is granted solely by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. A signed licensing agreement or approved application must be on file with the Department of Agriculture prior to use of any of these trademarked logos or slogans. Any unapproved use of these materials can result in liability under Federal Trademark Laws.

The Certified South Carolina Associate Member Applicant understands the South Carolina Department of Agriculture owns all rights and trademarks for use of the brand materials. Unauthorized use may also result in liability under Federal Trademark Law. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture reserves the right to revoke Applicant’s use of the logo at any time should it be abused or used in an inappropriate manner.

By entering into the Certified South Carolina Program as an Associate Member, I understand that I am authorizing the SC Department of Agriculture to make public my business contact and product information for use to the general public, both in printed and electronic format. If I choose to opt out of this provision I must indicate so in writing to the Department of Agriculture.

I (we) agree to comply with all the terms and conditions of the regulations pertaining to the use of the Certified South Carolina logo(s).