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Consequences and Costs
Although GAPs may seem overwhelming at first glance, Bihn says many growers are already following some of the practices.
"It's not designed to be the straw that broke the camel's back," Bihn says. "In many cases, it doesn't require major farming modifications. They are actually things that the grower is doing already. And if you're not, they're probably things that you should be doing anyway."
Darbie Granberry, a University of Georgia Extension horticulturist and GAPs collaborator, says the program's perceived expense is a concern among producers. But it shouldn't be.
"Growers are hesitant to do it because of the cost," Granberry says. "But they have to consider, 'what's the potential cost if I don't do it and I lose market share from potential liability?'"
A food safety program isn't free. It's requires a higher standard of management and it costs money. You have to spend money for maintenance and record keeping that you didn't spend before. Your buyers will most likely require a third-party audit by a firm specializing in food safety to verify compliance with Good Agricultural Practices. This third-party audit can be very expenses. The good news on this is that state departments of agriculture, with USDA's assistance, are developing an audit-based program that is helping the U.S. produce industry verify voluntary adherence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
Under the program, Federal-State Inspection Service (FSIS) personnel review a participating company's facility and agronomic practices, along with its documented procedures, to help determine if "Good Agricultural Practices" and "Good Handling Practices" are maintained.
With this kind of audit-based verification putting a grower on a preferred vendor list and causing buyers to take note of the extra steps a grower has taken to help ensure a safe product, the belief is the benefit will more than absorb the costs.
Growers utilizing GAPs with an audit-based verification system are placed on a preferred vendors list which recognizes that the grower has taken extra steps to ensure a safe product. So implementing GAPs is a win-win situation for everyone - growers, buyers, and consumers.
To learn more about GAPs for New Mexico Growers, you can contact:
NMSU Extension Service
Phone: (505) 646-3588
E-mail: rpennock@nmsu.edu
National Good Agricultural Practices Program - http://www.gaps.cornell.edu/
Last Modified: Apr 11, 2006 at 13:40
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