Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Impacts of GAPs and post-harvest handling practices certificate training on producers' on-farm food safety behaviors and perceptions of customer assurance

Project ID: M2010-14

Abstract

Food producers received training in on-farm food safety and proper agricultural practices. The intended result was to alleviate consumer concerns about food safety and assure wholesale buyers of food purity.

Key Question: Does food safety training for fruit and vegetable growers affect consumer and retail foodservice buyers' purchasing decisions?

Findings: Findings from the project indicated the growing need for food safety checklists, verification of safety protocols implemented, and third-party audit information. Results also suggest that requirements by wholesale buyers will continue to drive the need for food safety and auditing information in the marketplace. Despite national media attention about fresh produce safety, little concern was displayed among Iowa farmers' market shoppers.

Lead investigator: Margaret Smith, ISU Extension Value Added Agriculture

Co-Investigator(s):

Catherine Strohbehn, Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management program, ISU Extension and Outreach

Year of grant completion: 2012

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Farm to institution