GAP TRAINING FOR FARMERS

This one-day Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training provides farmers with a comprehensive foundation in farm food safety, covering every major area required for successful production, compliance, and market readiness. Participants learn the core principles of GAP, how it differs from related standards such as Good Handling Practices (GHP) and FSMA, and how to identify and manage risks throughout the farm operation. The training includes hands-on guidance for assessing potential contamination points related to soil, water, wildlife, and worker activity. Essential topics such as worker health and hygiene, water testing requirements, and proper use of soil amendments and compost deepen growers’ understanding of how everyday practices influence food safety outcomes. Farmers also receive instruction in safe harvesting and post-harvest handling—washing, cooling, packing, and sanitizing tools and equipment. The day concludes with practical support in developing a Farm Food Safety Plan, using templates, checklists, and sample SOPs designed to prepare participants for a future GAP audit.

By completing the training, farmers walk away with immediate, tangible benefits that strengthen both their operations and market opportunities. Participants leave with a working draft of their Farm Food Safety Plan—an essential asset for meeting audit requirements, pursuing grants, and satisfying wholesale or institutional buyers. They also gain access to ready-to-use logs, templates, and SOPs that streamline compliance and daily workflow. The course demystifies the audit process by explaining exactly what auditors expect, building confidence and preparedness. GAP-trained growers become more competitive in retail, cooperative, and farm-to-institution markets, and they improve on-farm efficiency through cleaner systems, reduced risks, and better-organized procedures. Ultimately, the training protects the farm’s brand, enhances product quality, and supports long-term viability by preventing costly food safety failures.

THE TRAINER

Carol Allen is an Agent Associate in Food Safety in the Department of Plant Science, University of Maryland. She grew up in the farm lands of upstate New York and currently resides adjacent to the Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery County, Maryland. She holds a Master’s degree in Plant Science with a concentration in plant pathology, plant virus, and integrated pest management. An earlier career in a medical field schooled her in the concepts of cross contamination and the need for asepsis. 

This varied background enables Carol Allen to be a good fit into the field of farm produce safety. Her background also gives her the advantage being able to talk to farmers in their language and with an understanding of their particular issues. As an educator, she has the skill to introduce new concepts and procedures in an easily understood manner. Carol is PSA (Produce Safety Alliance) Produce Safety Rule trainer. She is qualified to aid in On Farm Readiness Reviews and is certified to write MDA GAP, USDA Harmonized GAP, and Harmonized GAP+ produce safety plans.