Food Safety Program

Good Agricultural Practices Program

The Georgia Crop Improvement Association Good Agricultural Practices Program (GAPP) is an inspection/auditing program established by the Georgia Fresh Produce Industry to verify that good agricultural practices were followed during production packing and shipping.

The Georgia “Good Agricultural Practices” Program:

• Requires the use of environmentally safe practices
• Requires the use of tested water
• Requires a safe and healthy environment for workers
• Requires that sanitary handling and packing practices are followed
• Promotes the use of food security precautions.

The program is supported by:

• Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
• Georgia Crop Improvement Association
• Georgia Department of Agriculture
• The University of Georgia Food Science and Horticulture Departments

The Georgia “Good Agricultural Practices” Program follows the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Services “Guide To Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.”

For additional information, contact Terry Hollifield, Executive Director, terry.hollifield@georgiacrop.com or 706-542-2351.

Resources:

• GAPP Approved Packers / Producers
• Food Safety Program Contacts
• Good Agricultural Practices Program General Information and Standards
• “Guide To Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”
• “Protecting Consumers of Georgia Vegetables and Fruit”
• Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard “Composting Facility”
• Field Sanitation
• OSHA Resource Page
• GAPP Water Testing Requirements
• Helpful Information
• GAPP Application