The GAPs Project team at UMass is excited to announce the next USDA GAPs online class, scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. This online program is offered in collaboration with UMass, The MA Department of Agricultural Resources, and the Cornell University National GAPs Program. The cost is $50. To sign up, go to: http://www.umassone.net/gaps/.

Online education offers great flexibility with respect to your location and schedule. You are able to move through the course according to your own calendar over a three week period. At the same time, you will be able to interact with other growers and the instructors. The online instructors include David Nyachuba, Ph.D., UMass; Rich Bonanno, Ph.D., UMass; and Jeffrey Brandenberg, M.S.F.S., The JSB Group. Each instructor has unique educational and commercial expertise and experience. If you have any questions: dgn@nutrition.umass.edu or (413) 545-0552.

Preventing the contamination of fresh farm produce is the key to producing wholesome, healthy products. This web-based educational program is designed to help you to develop and implement farm food safety plans, and prepare you for USDA GAPs certification. As a result, you can market your products with greater confidence. The course includes online readings, online discussions with the instructors, interactive questions and feedback and activities to complete.