GAPs for fruit and vegetable producers: GAP audit prep and food safety plan writing workshop
Presented by educators from University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, Kansas State University, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. August 19th 9:30 – 2:30.

Using good food safety practices on your farm can reduce risks of foodborne illness, improve product quality and open new markets. Join national experts and experienced farmers for a deep dive into on-farm food safety practices you can use right now to reduce risks related to your fresh produce. The day will include practical guidance, tips and science-based best practices to ensure your produce is safe, fresh and wholesome. Register online. (registration form will indicate CST zone)

The course consists of two parts:

• The morning is the educational training on GAPs concepts on the farm
• The afternoon is preparing for and passing a GAP audit for your farm.

You can opt to attend just the morning, just the afternoon, or both sessions.

All attendees of the morning session will receive a certificate of attendance.

Morning: 9:30 – 1:30 EST: GAPs for fruit and vegetable farms

-Deep dive into best practices for the production and postharvest handling of fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce potential for contamination with foodborne pathogens

-Topics will include compost/manure use, water testing, safely washing vegetables, sanitizer use and guidelines, packing area designs and ideas, coolers, managing wildlife and pets, low-cost handwashing stands, employee training and more

-Time for questions and discussion about using the practices on your farm

Afternoon: 2:00 – 4:30 EST – Prepare for a GAP audit and write a food safety plan

-Do you want to prepare for and pass a GAP audit to sell your fresh produce to a buyer who requires it? 

-The session will help cover the GAP audit process and your food safety plan so that you can pass an audit if needed.

-A farmer and educator from K-State will share what he has learned from years of passing GAP audits on his farm (costs, who to contact, what to expect), how to create a farm map, records, and reviewing the core aspects of a food safety plan. You will have all the information you need to prepare the needed documents for a GAPs audit.

-Note that the workshop will focus on the GAP/GHP audit, and will also provide information on the Harmonized GAP and the Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit.

Choose either the morning session only, afternoon session only, or the full day training (both are included for the $20 course fee). All participants of the morning session will receive a certificate of attendance.