EXTENSION PROGRAMMING HELPING GROWERS INVOLVED WITH FOOD SAFETY
Agricultural Issues
Wythe Morris
Commercial Horticulture
Virginia Cooperative Extension
HILLSVILLE
Abstract
In the past, farm food safety audit and inspection information procedures have been vague, unclear and portrayed as financially overwhelming for the small to medium sized grower. In Southwest Virginia, significant strides have been made because of educational programming written and delivered by local agents as well as one-on-one help made available to growers from these agents. Farmers and growers in SWVA and adjoining states have become pro-active in writing their food safety plans and having their farms audited for USDA GAP certification as a result of these efforts. Established programming has been used in organized courses as well as “one-on-one” in preparation for GAP audits to help farmers understand the process and develop their written plans. Also, additional agents have been trained to help to support the demand for programming. Over the past year, over 150 individuals comprising over 110 farms have been trained to prepare for food safety audits. Audit pass rates have been 100%. Favorable comments related to programming and training were received from USDA auditors in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Because they are considered “third party”, they emphasize that there must be a liaison between the grower and the auditor. Extension agents help to fill this need. Also, regional food buyers are very satisfied that an effort has been made to help growers with this part of their farming operation.
Authors: Morris, W. C.
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Morris, W. C. Commercial Horticulture, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 24343