Information for Producers

Food Safety Resources

Food safety is taking center stage in America. Consumers and retailers are demanding accountability when it comes to producing, buying and selling fresh produce. Developing, implementing and auditing a food safety plan are essential to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and it can reduce both health and business risks for consumers and growers. This page is a collection of resources for food producers.

Iowa GAP Cost-Share Program
Iowa fruit and vegetable farmers can apply for a cost-share grant to assist with the costs of independent food safety certification of an operation’s good agricultural practices (GAPs). The program is available through the Northeast Iowa Food & Farm (NIFF) Coalition with support from an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Specialty Crop Block Grant. The program is available to any Iowa grower. Read more.

Iowa GAP Center
Food safety begins on the farm. This blog helps Iowa fruit and vegetable farmers navigate the world of Good Agricultural Practices, or GAPs. Read news about the latest events and information related to on-farm food safety from Extension experts.

Creating a Food Safety Plan - Templates
FSP4U - A Food Safety Plan for You - University of Minnesota
Good Agricultural Practices – Fresh Produce Safety Plan for Field Practices - NC Cooperative Extension

Third Party Audits
Video: Fresh Produce Safety - NC Mock Field Audit
Third Party Audit Resources - NC State

Finding Certified Farms
List of GAP and Organic Certified Fruit & Vegetable Farms in Northeast Iowa
USDA GAP Certification Database
MOSA Certified Organic Farm Database

Iowa Food Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions on Food Regulations for Small Market Food Producers (August 2009)