ENHANCING FOOD SAFETY AND FSMA COMPETENCY OF SMALL FARMERS AND EXTENSION AGENTS TO EXPAND MARKET ACCESS

The overarching goal of this project is to bolster the food safety and FSMA technical capacity of SC State ag extension agents and small, beginning,and socially disadvantaged farmers to increase the number of GAP-trained and certified producers in South Carolina. Therebyincreasing market access opportunities forsmall, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers resulting in increased availability of fresh produce by these farmersmitigating food deserts and insecurity.Ultimately, this will increase the consumption of local fresh produce, increasing the health profile of citizens in South Carolina and potentially nationwide. The objectives are as follows:To effectively partner with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and other non-governmental organizations to develop and disseminate effective FSMA education and training curricula and materials for socially disadvantaged, beginning, and limited-resource farmers.To increase the knowledge, competency, and confidence of 1890 extension agents through FSMA food safety training.To increase food safety and FSMA knowledge and awareness of socially disadvantaged, beginning, and limited resource farmers.To positively impact the behaviors and beliefs of farmer participants regarding the feasibility of obtaining food safety certifications.To positively impact the behaviors and beliefs of farmer participants regarding the importance of food safety and its positive impact as a path to profitable market opportunities.To increase the number of GAP-certified socially disadvantaged, beginning, and limited resource farmers in South Carolina.To increase the availability of local fresh produce through the implementation of food safety programs that open market access.