Local Produce Safety Initiative

Year Funded

2016

Amount

$25,000

Demand for local produce is influencing purchasing at wholesale and institutional buyers. A 2012 USDA report found sales through intermediated channels are a growing segment of the local food market; those buyers often require farms to be GAP certified. A CFSA survey found that most NC and SC retailers require GAP certification. Industry members report that direct market outlets are also under pressure to require GAPs. Small farms need scale-appropriate practices that conform to GAP standards to remain competitive. CFSA’s programs addressing that need have proven highly effective: 72 percent of participants in our programs to date have increased their annual sales by at least $5,000. This project’s goals are to: 1) provide Food Safety Program and Plan Development assistance to farmers seeking GAP certification, 2) conduct 2-day workshops covering Principles of Fresh Produce Safety and Navigating the GAP Audit, and 3) provide GAPs workshops at conferences in NC.

Ms. Karen McSwain
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association PO Box 448 Pittsboro, NC 27312