Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:09:58 -0400
From: Debbie Roos
Subject: On-farm GAPs Audit next Monday
May 4, 2009: On-farm Good Agricultural Practices Audit
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer an interactive On-farm Good Agricultural Practices Audit as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series on Monday, May 4, from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Student Farm at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) in Pittsboro. This mock audit complements the April 21 workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and will help direct market growers identify the critical points of concern for produce safety: compost/manure management, water resources and irrigation, land history and topography, proximity to livestock (pastured hens are on site), postharvest handling and storage, and employee hygiene. The goal is to get growers thinking about where they can best focus their efforts to reduce the risk of contamination.
The audit will be led by Keith Baldwin, Horticulture Extension Specialist at NC A&T State University. Keith is a member of the North Carolina Food Safety Task Force.
Good agricultural practices (GAPs) are the basic environmental and operational conditions necessary for the production of safe, wholesome fruits and vegetables. The purpose of GAPs is to give guidance in implementing best management practices that will help to reduce the risks of microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables. Examples of GAPs include worker hygiene and health, manure use, and water quality throughout the production and harvesting process. While the U.S. has one of the safest food supplies in the world, recent media attention the past few years on foodborne illness outbreaks underscores the importance of good agricultural practices.
Growers are urged to take a proactive role in minimizing food safety hazards potentially associated with fresh produce. Being aware of, and addressing, the common risk factors outlined in GAPs will result in a more effective, cohesive response to emerging concerns about the microbial safety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
This is a free workshop. However, please RSVP to Debbie Roos at 919-542-8202 or if you plan on coming so we will have a number for any handouts.
Directions to the CCCC Pittsboro campus:
From the downtown traffic circle in Pittsboro, take 64 west. Go about ½ a mile to the intersection of 64 and 87/902 at the light at Al’s Diner (on your left). Continue straight through the intersection to stay on 64. From the light, go 0.2 miles and turn right past the NAPA Auto Parts Store into the CCCC entrance. The Student Farm will be on your left as you approach the brick buildings. It is surrounded by an 8 foot high deer fence and hard to miss!
I hope to see you next Monday!
Debbie
Debbie Roos
Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
www.growingsmallfarms.org