WC #8 – Meeting Minutes

January 17th, 2012

Attendees: Keith Schneider, Dawn Drake, Lynn Turner, Luana Kiger, Andrew Wiemers, Marion Aller, Giselle Guron, Phil Tocco, Richard Bonanno, Jeff Stoltzfus, Jim Rushing, Lori Pivarnik, Laure Phelps, Diane Hirsch, Cynthia Haskins, Fred Finney

Agenda:

Discussion of fracture state of GAPs and the need for specialized training

Comments on CSA/Direct Market GAPs

Status of Harmonization

Discussion of USDA/FDA endorsement of PSA training program

Review of future regulation (what we know, which is very little!)

Review of the summary document - what is missing?

  1. Fractured State of GAPs
  • There is a great need for specialized training
  • ‘Audit fatigue’ must be addressed as a significant hurdle for small growers
  • Many audits exist, not all metrics are similar
  • May be cost prohibitive
  • Short discussion about the benefits/downfalls of the harmonized audit
  1. If growers are given basics GAPs course, will they be covered for 90% of what is included in an audit?
  • Some concepts are the same across the board, other audits include information above and beyond basic food safety practices
  • There needs to be flexibility for small farmers, with an emphasis on education to reduce risk and implement food safety practices on the farm, not just pass an audit
  • The most difficult part is going through an audit for the first time
  1. Program Support
  • The PSA curriculum must have ‘buy in’ from other government entities and agencies
  • E.g. “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative
  1. Summary Document Review
  • Challenges
  • Demand: depends on state and geographic area, as well as pressure from market/buyers
  • Class size: Must be conducive to interacting with growers to answer questions and help to develop food safety plans. Groups of 20 work well, any more and there is not enough attention trainers can provide to growers.
  • Cost: The program should not be cost prohibitive. The Plain Grower community is willing to pay $20-30 for a training. Other growers may pay more ($100).
  • Dynamic: Total participants as well as resources provided (laptops, printed resources) influence the training dynamic.
  • Grower attitude: Many growers fear the liability of food safety issues and what that might mean for the future of their farms.
  1. Craig, Keith, and Gretchen will continue to work on edits to the summary document. Please submit any additional comments to .
  2. Next meeting: March 5th, 2012