GAP; Food Safety are buzz words being tossed about more in food production - fruits and vegetables. But what does it all mean?

The key take away with GAP is to make the farming operation more successful and open more market opportunities.

Most of the GAP and Food Safety guidelines are industry standards not Governmental Regulations. These guidelines are self-assessments to minimize on-farm risks for the introduction of contaminants into the food system. Other guidelines are excellent record keeping methods to improve on farm efficiency.

If you are a farmer or producer, ask first what your market or end consumer requirements are then check what, if any, local regulations state for selling produce or food products exist.

The following links are resources to help small and mid-scale mixed production farms with "Frequently Asked Questions" on GAPS, On Farm Food Safety, Farm Production Planning, etc.