GAP/GHP Certification Cost-Share Program
GAP/GHP Certification Cost-Share Program helps Mississippi specialty crop farmers cover initial certification audit costs to verify practices intended to reduce microbial food safety hazards.
Funder: Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
Due Dates: Rolling (first-come, first-served until funds are depleted)
Funding Amounts: 75% of eligible certification costs, up to $750 per year
Summary: Reimburses Mississippi specialty crop farmers for initial GAP/GHP certification audit costs and associated USDA service charges.
Key Information: Applicants must successfully pass an initial GAP/GHP audit completed by an approved USDA certifier.
Description
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce (MDAC) administers this cost-share program for Mississippi farmers, with funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It helps cover the expense of initial Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) certification for specialty crops.
GAP/GHP audits are voluntary, independent audits of produce suppliers throughout the production and supply chain. They verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored using practices intended to minimize microbial food safety hazards. Audits assess adherence to recommendations in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and industry-recognized food safety practices.
