By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota Extension will host a webinar on August 20, 2026, to help fruit and vegetable growers prepare for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) audits and develop effective on-farm food safety plans. The training focuses on improving produce safety, reducing foodborne illness risks, and enhancing overall produce quality.
Led by Extension educators and experienced farmers, the workshop will provide practical guidance on food safety practices throughout production and postharvest handling. Participants will learn best practices for harvesting, washing, packing, storage, and transportation of fresh produce.
The morning session, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT, will cover key food safety topics, including compost and manure management, water testing, produce sanitation, packing facilities, cold storage, wildlife management, and employee training. Growers will gain knowledge to help reduce food safety risks in their operations.
The afternoon session, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT, will focus on developing a farm food safety plan and preparing for a GAP audit. Participants will learn about recordkeeping, audit documentation, farm mapping, and planning strategies, while receiving practical tools and templates to support audit readiness.
The webinar is intended for growers who produce, harvest, pack, or market fresh fruits and vegetables. The registration fee is $20 per farm and includes access to the training and a certificate of attendance.
Important Information
Event: Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Audit Prep and Food Safety Plan Writing
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT
Format: Webinar
Cost: $20 per farm
Contact: Annalisa Hultberg
Email: hultb006@umn.edu
Organizer: University of Minnesota Extension
Register Here .
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zbynek-pospisil
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education