|
|
Cooperative Extension Service |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Agricultural
Experiment Station |
|
|
|
|
|
Aquaculture
Dale Bumpers College
|
Good Agricultural & Handling Practices WorkshopWhen: February 9, 2009 Where: U of A, Cooperative Extension Service, State Office Registration Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2009 In an effort to assist growers with the development and evaluation of food safety practices on their farms, the Arkansas Agriculture Department and the University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture are partnering to offer a workshop on food safety which addresses good agricultural production and handling practices. The one-day workshop features presentations from United States Department of Agriculture’s Fruit and Vegetable Section, Arkansas Agriculture Department, a produce grower, and academic/industry experts working in produce processing and marketing. Workshop presenters discuss the importance of evaluating food safety measures and the value for growers to assess their food safety business practices. Around the U.S., state departments of agriculture, with USDA's assistance, are developing an audit-based program aimed at 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/or "Good Handling Practices" are maintained. If you are interested in learning more about the—Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices—Audit Verification Program, visit the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Fresh Products Branch website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/fpbgapghp.htm or you can contact the Field Operations Section: Fresh Products Branch, FVP, AMS, USDA by phoning (202) 720-2482 or (800) 811-2373. Today it is Salmonella in peanut butter, last spring tomatoes were erroneously linked to contaminated peppers from Mexico. Before that it was spinach and it goes on and on. Nothing stops the sale of a particular food item like a contamination scare. Even if the contaminated product is found and contained the consumer prefers to just do without. It is important we do all we can to maintain our safe practices and to document the food we grow in Arkansas is produced with the consumer's safety in mind. Our workshop features experts in production, handling, retail and food safety who will discuss the manner and necessity of voluntary GHP/GAP audits. We will also present information about an Arkansas Agriculture Department program to help pay audit costs. - Tim Ellison, Marketing Director - Arkansas State Plant Board, Arkansas Agriculture Department Agenda Resource Links: Directions:We are located at 2301 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. For MapQuest directions, go to http://www.uaex.edu/findus/state_office.htm Contact Information:Contact Brenda Duggins for more information or if you have any questions. Sponsors:Sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
|
|
© 2006 |
|
|
University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
Mission
•
Disclaimer
•
EEO
•
|
