Media Release

April 21, 2009

10:45 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce an upcoming program for Fruit and Vegetable Growers and persons who sell produce to the public. The program "Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs): Developing a Food Safety Program for Fruits & Vegetable Growers" will be held at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville), on May 11, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $10 (includes lunch).  Participants will receive a Certificate of Training, educational materials and signs (available in English & Spanish). The prgram is presented (in part) by Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent along with University of Florida specialists.

Good agricultural practices (GAPs) at the farm level involve multi-faceted efforts at ensuring that foods are safe for human consumption. Food safety has become a serious issue in our society because of pathogens and food contamination. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are responsible for recalling contaminated foods, but because food can become contaminated at all levels of the food production system, it is essential to keep food safe through GAPs.

GAP guidelines are necessary for all agricultural operations. Food safety programs should be instituted to prevent foodborne illnesses and food contamination throughout the whole production process from farm to consumers.

For more information online, click here. Please pre-register by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail) or 352-955-2402 for more information.