Introduction to USDA GAP Certification, Field Harvest and Water Quality Testing

Monday, February 11, 2019

5:30PM - 8:00PM

The Carver Center

9432 North James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA

This educational workshop is free and open to the public.

USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification is achieved through voluntary audits performed by USDA federal or state agency representatives that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. Farmers who are interested in applying for GAP certification can learn about requirements and regulations as part of the introductory training by VSU Small Farm Agent Leonel Castillo.

Michael Carter Jr., Virginia Small Farm Resource Center Coordinator, will take a look at details related to two areas: field harvest and water quality. GAP for field harvest includes practices for sanitation and transportation in the field, in containers and on the truck. Water quality practices cover a variety of areas including wells, irrigation systems and the potential for direct or non-point source contaminants to water sources.

For more information, contact Michael Carter Jr. at (804) 691-0490; micarter@vsu.edu or Leonel Castillo, Hispanic Outreach Agent at  (804) 731-0230;  lcastillo@vsu.edu, or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

For information, contact Small Farm Resource Center coordinator Michael Carter, Jr. (micarter@vsu.edu, (804) 691-0490) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.