USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has officially launched GroupGAP, a new certification program that helps small and mid-sized growers and cooperatives meet retailers’ on-farm food safety requirements.
“We know that GAP certification can sometimes be cost-prohibitive for smaller farmers,” says AMS Administrator Elanor Starmer. “GroupGAP allows these farmers to demonstrate compliance with strong food safety standards and share the cost of certification across a group of growers. That means greater market access for farmers, more options for consumers, and strong verification of food safety practices. It is a true win-win.”