USDA has introduced a free online tool designed to help US producers of all sizes achieve Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), harmonized standards and certification. It is available at www.onfarmfoodsafety.org.

The tool, developed by FamilyFarmed.org with funding from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), allows producers to design a customized manual to meet GAP harmonized standards and certification requirements, including USDA GAP standards, and mitigate business risks by responding to a survey.

“USDA believes that a strong farm safety net—including effective, market-based risk solutions for producers of all variety and size—is crucial to sustain the vitality of American agriculture,” said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. “Effectively managing risk is important to all producers, and having an acceptable food safety program is in the best interest of consumers, buyers, and the farmers themselves.”