New partnership aims to help small SC farms achieve GAP certification

A new partnership is helping South Carolina farmers achieve Good Agricultural Practices certification – a crucial step for producers searching for markets or looking to scale up operations.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is using a $100,000 grant from Duke Energy to help growers prepare for a voluntary federal GAP audit. The partnership with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, the South Carolina Black Farmers Coalition, Pick 42 Foundation and Bonita Global LLC will also cover the costs of certification, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Agriculture.

The program is targeting small, minority-owned farms in South Carolina.

“We know many small South Carolina farms are already using excellent food safety practices, and GAP certification is a stamp of approval so buyers know it, too,” Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said in the release. “I thank all our partners in this effort for their commitment to sustaining South Carolina agriculture.”

GAP certification demonstrates that a farm is taking significant steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness associated with fresh fruits and vegetables. Some buyers, including some grocery chains and school districts, will only purchase from GAP-certified farms.

“GAP certification means opportunity and access for small, socially disadvantaged farms,” Larry Harris, a produce grower who owns Harris Farms LLC in Sumter County and has worked to bring farmers into the GAP program, said.

Half of Duke Energy’s contribution is being used for the GAP assistance program. ACRE is using the other $50,000 for small business development grants to agricultural producers in the region served by Duke Energy.

“Agribusiness is South Carolina’s top industry, and Duke Energy is proud to power thousands of family and commercial farms and related businesses,” Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president, said. “We are excited to invest in resources like the GAP certification program that will help farmers grow their business and support our agricultural economy.”