Good Agricultural Practices

GAP

Good Handling Practices

GHP

USDA, AMS GAP/GHPAudit Verification Program

An audit-based verification program that attests to participants’ voluntary adherence to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”

Participants are audited against a checklist that demonstrates adherence with GAPs & GHPs.

Audits are based on questions derived from the FDA guidance document. They are not intended to require certain activities, only to determine if a participant is adhering to generally accepted practices. Questions are separated into the following categories:

• General (including personnel hygiene and practices)• Farm Review• Field Harvesting and Field Packing Activities• Packing House Facility• Storage and Transportation• Trace-back• Food Security

The FDA guidance document identifies the following areas that participants should demonstrate control of in their operations to minimize microbial hazards in fresh fruits and vegetables:

• Water• Manure and Municipal Bio-Solids• Worker Health and Hygiene• Sanitary Facilities• Field Sanitation• Packing Facility Sanitation• Transportation• Traceback

GHP/GAP Audit Assistance Program

Reimburse Successful Audits for up to $500

Send In All Three of the Following Documents:

1. Photo Copy of Audit Certificate.

2. Proof of Audit Fee Payment.

3. Signed and Completed Federal Form W-9.

Mail All Three Documents to:

Marketing DivisionArkansas Agriculture Department1 Natural Resource DriveLittle Rock, AR 72205

The Produce Marketing Association is the leading global trade association serving the entire produce and floral supply chains by enhancing the marketing of produce, floral, and related products and services worldwide. PMA members are buyers and sellers from every segment of the produce and floral supply chain.

The PMA Fresh Summit is your once-a-year opportunity to:

•Make valuable connections •Launch new products and services •Increase your company's visibility •Come face-to-face with key buyers •Gather intelligence for benchmarking and new product development •Extend your reach into new markets around the globe

Orlando, Florida U.S.A.  October 24-27, 2008 

15,849 Attendees from 58 Countries774 Exhibitors from 23 Countries639,000 sq ft of Exhibit Space3,352 Buyers

www.pma.com

Dear Colleagues interested in organic agriculture, The National Center for Appropriate Technology is interested in holding an organic certification training. We have a number of staff who would like to be trained in organic certification and wondered if you know of others.

We have contacted the Independent Organic Inspector Association (IOIA) to learn about their training options. IOIA trainers would be available in the fall. Please let us know if you are interested in organic certification training or if you know someone who is. Also please let me know if you are interested in co-hosting this training with NCAT. We are considering Fayetteville as a site and would need to visit at least two organic operations within one hour drive.

Thanks,

Anne Fanatico, Ph.D.

National Center of Appropriate Technology Southeast Field Office

Director P.O. Box 3657 Fayetteville, AR 72702

479-442-9824

479-442-9842 fax

www.attra.ncat.org

annef@ncat.org

ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

Farmers' Markets Grant Program

A. Purpose

To make available grants for construction and expenses associated with the construction of Farmers' Markets.

B. Authority

Act 1517 of 2007 makes money available to the Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) for this purpose.

C. Definitions

For the purpose of this program, a "Farmers' Market" is defined to be a location where:

a) a farmer may offer for sale the produce of his or her farm at least weekly during the months of May, June, July and August; and

b) the consent to act as a vendor is governed by an organizing body; and

c) the manner by which business is to be conducted is published by the organizing body in freely obtainable bylaws or market guidelines; and

d) on any given market day, at least 50% of the vendors present are farmers.

D. General Provisions

Grants are for construction and/or expenses associated with the construction of permanent facilities for farmers' markets. Associated expenses may be, but are not limited to: architectural design, construction permits, earthwork, surfaces for parking and vendor setup, and utility establishment.

Grants will not be awarded for the purchase of land.

For assistance, contact the Marketing Division at

501-225-1598.

E. Application Procedures

A narrative description of the proposed project is required. The format, style of presentation, and length may vary, depending on the nature of the project. The narrative shall include the following sections:

o Name and contact information for person or persons responsible for application.

o Discussion of current market facilities and activities including the number of producer-vendors currently selling at the market more than five times a season.

o Bylaws or published market guidelines.

o Detailed outline of work to be done including dates of expected completion for each phase.

o Cost estimates and amount requested from AAD.

o Discussion of any matching funds or other sources of money for project.

o Proof market can legally occupy space for at least five years after construction.

o Letters of support from community leaders where market construction will occur and farmers who will sell at the market.

F. Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2008. All applications must be received in the AAD office or postmarked by that date.

In the event all funds available for this program are not obligated after review of the submitted applications, a second deadline will be announced for the remainder.

G. Methods of Payment

Successful applications received from mayors of incorporated cities (or county judge for unincorporated areas) will be funded upon approval by the Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. The mayor or judge must agree to take responsibility for the project and agree to an audit by AAD staff.

All other successful applicants will receive payment upon completion of the project and subsequent audit by AAD staff. All requests for payment must be submitted to AAD by May 30, 2009 or may be disallowed.

Tim Ellison, DirectorPlant Board Marketing DivisionArkansas Agriculture Department1 Natural Resource DriveLittle Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501-225-1598Fax: 501-219-1697

tim.ellison@aspb.ar.gov