What Is GAP and Why Get Certified

Have you been asked to get “GAP Certified,” but you don’t know where or how to get started?

This workshop, led by Chloe Johnson from the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), will hit on the major topics that must be addressed before a farm can be GAP certified, including: water, soil amendments, employee training, harvest practices, sanitation and traceability. We will cover the ways that small farms meet food safety standards with minimal infrastructure and procedural changes. Beyond the basics, we will discuss what a typical audit day looks like and help you get familiar with the paperwork required for a successful audit. Getting GAP certified will allow your farm to sell to wholesalers and institutions, most of whom require a GAP certification prior to purchasing produce. You’ll leave this workshop with a detailed checklist on the steps required to become GAP certified and resources to help you achieve your food safety goals.