Assessing On-Farm Risks and Documenting Food Safety Practices to Meet Farm to School Requirements

Growers wanting to access the farm to school market, need to thoroughly understand a school district’s food safety policies in order to satisfy requirements for food purchases. While a third-party GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) audit and certification is neither a federal or state requirement, some school divisions may still require it in Virginia. Yet, regardless of whether or not an audit is required, recognizing and having a good grasp about potential on-farm produce safety hazards (Figure 1) and incorporating best food safety practices (GAP) for reducing potential produce contamination are critical when selling to schools. In addition, it is important to know how the schools will verify food safety practices (i.e. verbal or written agreements, farm visits, reviewing food safety plan or records, etc.). In this publication, we will take a closer look at the process for identifying hazards to provide a context for addressing them and using a checklist document as a verification tool.