Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences

An Educational Program on Produce Food Safety/Good Agricultural Practices for Small and Limited Resource Farmers: a Case Study
Barrett Vaughan, Ph.D.

Abstract
The educational methods used in a food safety/Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) educational program with small and limited resource produce farmers in Alabama to assist them with obtaining certification were examined in this case study. The educational methods enlisted to facilitate food safety certification included group meetings, instructional material delivery, individual farm instruction, and expert instruction. In addition, there were four challenges to food safety certification identified—the needs for motivation, information, clarification, and resources—along with strategies to address the challenges. The program was found to be limitedly successful, producing ten GAP-certified operations. It was concluded that further evaluation of the educational methods is needed.

Full Text: PDF