Educational 3rd-Party GAPs Audits
WHO: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the N.C.
Fresh Produce Safety Task Force,
invites North Carolina growers and educators to an educational Good
Agricultural Practices (GAPs) 3rd-Party Audit. The educational audit will
help participants better understand audits and allow growers to prepare for
their own 3rd-party audit for GAPs certification.
WHY ATTEND: Consumer perception of food safety is driving much of the
guidance environment as it relates to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). As
industry responds to the recent food-borne illness outbreaks, North Carolina
growers, no matter the size of their farm enterprises, are affected by the
market expectations. Large-chain wholesalers as well as retail chains,
school systems and some restaurants are requiring producers/suppliers to
have GAPs certification. Producers/sellers, without food safety plans in
place and who cannot demonstrate use of recognized Good Agricultural
Practices, are experiencing reduced market opportunities and negative
impacts to the economic viability of their farm operations.

WHAT WILL THIS EDUCATIONAL AUDIT CONSIST OF: Two 3rd-Party Auditors
(USDA/NCDA and Primus) will conduct these educational audits, provide
insight on documentation needed and answer questions. The educational audits
will be two days: one day encompasses the field audit
(4 to 5 hours); the second day
encompasses the packing facilities audit with traceability (6 to 7 hours).
Register for the day(s) that fit your circumstances and needs.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THESE SESSIONS!

WHEN and WHERE: Two sessions are available; please register for one or both.

Date: Friday, July 17, 2009, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Lunch will be included
Location: Patterson's Farm Inc.
3060 Millbridge Rd., China Grove, NC 28023
Auditor: Primus
Commodity Audited: Tomatoes
Registration: required by July 10th
Additional information helpful to review prior to attending:
USDA Audit Matrix:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5050869
PRIMUS Packing Facilities Guidelines (includes Traceability):
http://www.primuslabs.com/docs/Templates/Packinghousev0806_
eng.pdf

To register or for more information contact:
Stacie Crayton
N.C. State University Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture N.C.
Research Campus 600 Laureate Way Kannapolis, NC 28081
704-250-5426
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Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture
NC Research Campus at Kannapolis . www.ncvalueadded.org . 704.250.5400 NC State University
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Lunch will be included
Location: Premier Produce LLC
5517 HWY 58 S, Wilson, NC 27893
Auditor: NCDA/USDA
Commodity Audited: Cantaloupes
Registration: required by July 17th