Jan 22, 2010GAP and GHP Workshops in Michigan
An advanced workshop series on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) is reaching out to Michigan produce growers trying to tackle food safety certification, which is being required by regional grocery stores and wholesale distributors looking to source local products.
Each workshop will offer an overview of audit considerations and expectations, lessons learned and perspectives from auditors — as well as from growers who have become certified — and the buyer’s perspective on the importance of food safety certification.
The workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The first will be held Feb. 2 at the Starting Block kitchen incubator in Hart, Mich.; the second held Feb. 9 at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor; and the third Feb. 16 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the Eastern Market District of Detroit.
In addition to an auditor panel and GAP certified growers, industry representatives from groceries and distribution centers, like Sysco, will share their retail perspective on the importance of good practices.
There is no cost to attend, but the value is more than $50 per person and includes lunch. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase the revised, 240-page Wholesale Success: A Farmer’s Guide to Selling, Post-Harvest Handling and Packing Produce” for $25, which retails for $75. FamilyFarmed.org developed this manual to build the capacity of Midwest farmers to meet the burgeoning demand for local food. It features comprehensive sections on issues like building buyer relationships, food safety and calculating return on investment, along with crop profiles with specific harvesting, cooling, storage and packing information on fruits and vegetables grown in the Midwest.
For more information or to RSVP, call the Michigan Food & Farming Systems office at 517-432-0712 or e-mail [email protected].
Registration is required in advance to ensure adequate meals and materials. Register by the following dates for each session: Thursday, Jan. 28, for the session in Hart; Wednesday, Feb. 3, for the session in Benton Harbor and Wednesday, Feb. 10, for the session in Detroit. ”
