GAP/GHP Certification Cost-Share Program
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce helps specialty crop producers offset costs for initial GAP/GHP food safety certification to improve produce safety and marketability.
Funder: Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
Due Dates: July 30, 2026 (application form date) | Rolling (funds available until depleted)
Funding Amounts: 75% of certification costs reimbursed, up to $750 per farm per year; initial audit only.
Summary: Cost-share program reimbursing Mississippi specialty crop producers for GAP/GHP food safety certification costs.
Key Information: Funds are limited and awarded first-come, first-served; only initial audits for specialty crops are eligible.
Description
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce (MDAC) offers a cost-share program to support Mississippi farmers in achieving Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) certification for specialty crops. This program reimburses eligible producers for a portion of the costs incurred for GAP/GHP food safety audits, which verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored according to FDA guidelines and industry-recognized best practices. The goal is to help producers minimize microbial food safety hazards and enhance market access for Mississippi-grown specialty crops.
