CASE STUDY OF A FOOD SAFETY/GOOD AGRICULTURAL PARCTICES (GAPs) EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR SMALL AND LIMITED RESOURCE PRODUCE FARMERS

This case study examined methods used in a food safety/Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) educational program with small and limited resource produce farmers in Alabama to assist them with obtaining certification. Two methods were used, namely, the identification of challenges to food safety certification and development of strategies to address the challenges, and the enlistment of educational methods to facilitate food safety certification. As a result, there were four challenges to food safety certification identified; needs for motivation, information, clarification, and resources. In addition, the educational methods enlisted included group meetings, instructional material distribution, individual farm instruction, and expert instruction. The program was found to be limitedly successful, producing ten GAPs certified operations; further evaluation of the methods is needed