Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 12/21/20


This series is designed for small farmers interested in learning about food safety and obtaining their Good Agriculture Practices certification, then how to market an expand their customer base.

Seminar 1: Introduction On-Farm Food Safety Basics & is GAP Certification right for you? January 21, 2021 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Free Registration by Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/131606722249

Description:  This Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) workshop will address how farmers of all sizes can achieve USDA GAPs certification, deliver information on principles of fresh produce safety and on-farm hazard assessment, as well as provide assistance with creating a fresh produce farm safety plan.

Farmers will receive instruction concerning  the tools needed to identify potential food safety concerns as well as strategies to minimize issues. By attending participants will understand the GAP Process and be able to understand if GAP Certification is best for your farm.

Seminar 2: Advanced Writing and Implementing your GAP Certification Plan for your Farm. February 11, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$15 Registration Fee to cover Printing & Shipping Cost of GAP Packet for each attendee – Register by Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/131607297971

Description: This Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs) workshop will provide assistance to producers in completing a fresh produce safety plan. Attendees will leave this session with the knowledge to prepare working draft of their specific food safety plan, which becomes the framework for an audit, and can be used to demonstrate individual farm risk-reduction steps.

Seminar 3: Connecting & Communicating How to Market your GAP Certification & How to Connect with Buyers in your Area. March 11, 2021 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Free Registration by Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/133019718559

Description: Whether you are the next generation on the farm obtaining your GAP Certification or an established producer with GAP Certification looking to expand your customer base, this webinar will offer an overview of direct market opportunities and moving toward selling wholesale. Strategies for tapping into regional demand for local food will be discussed.