GroupGAP is a new USDA food safety certification option that can increase opportunities for smaller farms to supply GAP-certified produce. Despite these challenges, many farms see the advantages of food safety certification: it’s a strong marketing tool, opens new markets, and shows consumers that the farm has a commitment to food safety. Implementation of new food safety laws in January 2020 will further exacerbate this situation. GAP certification has increasingly become a requirement for retailers, making it difficult for small farmers to sell their goods because of the rigor and cost required to obtain traditional GAP certification. A certificate indicating GAP compliance identifies the farm as having been inspected and successfully implemented on farm food safe practices. GAP practices encompass monitoring of worker health and hygiene, soil amendments, water for growing and post-harvest operations, animals on or around the farm, and crop protection tools. Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) is an audit certification program created by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is based on guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration. North Shore EVP is working with farmers and agriculture leaders in state and across the country to focus best practices and innovation on building robust and highly competitive small farm communities in Hawaii. However, small production volumes, inconsistent availability, and new farm food safety regulations are significant obstacles. Many small farms would like to sell to larger markets such as restaurants, grocery stores, and schools. We are uniquely positioned to build new civic leadership, strengthen communication and collaboration, and engage communities across all of Hawaii. North Shore EVP, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is providing the leadership to engage organizations and community leaders, analyze new opportunities, and implement actionable strategies that will contribute to our economic prosperity. The North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership was formed in 2015 in response to a comprehensive, community-based economic analysis that included the identification existing resources and regional opportunities for job growth.
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