Welcome to the American Cheese Society
Join ACS
ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Judging & Competition
The ACS Judging & Competition, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, takes place in June each year.
Learning Center
The ACS Learning Center & ACEF Webinar Archive houses the American Cheese Society’s ongoing webinar series and other resources for you to watch and review on demand. ACS members access for free. Some content is available to non-members for purchase.
The leader for American Cheese
Welcome to the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses, providing the cheese industry with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Our site offers resources, education, industry directories, and other valuable tools for cheese professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Learn, Show Your Skills, Grow
ACS Programs and Events
The American Cheese Society has numerous programs and events for the cheese community that provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and opportunities to showcase your achievements in cheesemaking, cheesemongering, and more.
Conference
As an industry and a professional association, we gather each year to celebrate and tackle challenges together. At the American Cheese Society Annual Conference, we celebrate a vibrant and growing market for world-class American-made cheeses.
Competition
The American Cheese Society Judging & Competition is a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses. By hosting Judging & Competition, ACS shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry.
Certification
The American Cheese Society offers two industry certifications: ACS Certified Cheese Professional® (ACS CCP®) and ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator® (ACS CCSE®) that formally recognizes professional achievement at a national level.
Resources
What's happening
Cheese Industry Events
Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events
Cheesemaker Education Day
ACS Webinar: Agritourism - Bringing Consumers to your Creamery & Dairy to Increase Sales
Oregon Cheese Festival
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Jan. 23 — 24, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cheesemaker Education Day
Cheesemaker Education Day is the west coast’s premier educational conference for the artisan cheese industry. -
Thu, Jan. 29, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
ACS Webinar: Agritourism - Bringing Consumers to your Creamery & Dairy to Increase Sales
Join Vivien Straus, founder of the California Cheese Trail, as she moderates a dynamic panel discussion on how to engage the public and boost cheese sales through on-farm and creamery tours, tastings, cheesemaking classes, and other innovative approaches. -
Apr. 25 — 26, 2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Oregon Cheese Festival
Taste and buy cheese, drinks, and accompaniments from artisan and specialty producers from Oregon and beyond. Treat yourself to beverages by the glass and food carts. Let’s celebrate cheese!
