IRVINE, Calif. – In just two years the California Avocado Commission’s (CAC’s) new Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program is yielding very impressive results, with more than 600 California avocado groves having gone through GAP certification. To encourage participation CAC established a GAP Incentive Rebate, and to date $100,000 has been paid out to GAP-certified California avocado growers for their actual audit cost.
“More than 30 percent of California avocado acreage has been GAP-certified and we’re seeing continued progress in all growing regions,” said Ken Melban, CAC director, issues management. “Many growers find as they go through the GAP certification process that they just need to document their current practices.”
Based on the large number of growers who participated in the most recent CAC-GAP workshops held in December, all indications are for the success to continue. This was the third series of GAP workshops hosted by the Commission since the launch of the program in November, 2011, and for the first time growers were offered a unique opportunity to hear directly from a major buyer of California avocados. Colista Yates, Brinker senior manager for global quality assurance (Brinker International owns Chili’s and Maggiano’s Restaurants) spoke candidly about her company’s commitment to food safety and their expectation for approved suppliers to be GAP certified.
“It was enlightening for us (growers) to hear first-hand what a major buyer like Chili’s expects in terms of our food safety practices,” said Art Bliss, Somis grower and Commission board member. “I now have a clearer understanding of why GAPs are important, not only to ensure the safety of our fruit, but also to help protect the strong Hand Grown in California avocado brand,” he said.
Over the last few years GAP certification of growers has become increasingly important to consumers of fresh produce due to some high-profile food safety incidents. In addition, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), enacted in 2011, places responsibility for the safety of all produce sold in the U.S. on the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Once finalized, FSMA will require growers to demonstrate compliance. Based on the FSMA Draft Rule, growers who are certified by the CAC-GAP program would likely fulfill the necessary requirements.
“It’s encouraging that California avocado growers are realizing the importance of becoming GAP certified and taking the necessary steps,” said Melban. “GAPs are increasingly important to our foodservice and retail partners, and certification is essential because it demonstrates California avocado industry commitment to deliver the premium quality our customers rely on.”
More information on the GAP program and the GAP Incentive Rebate may be found on the California Avocado Commission website at http://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/growing/gap.
About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s nearly 5,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. For nutrition information and recipes visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, or join us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados and @CA_Avocados on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for updates.
Source: California Avocado Commission