Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices Certification Program

Florida’s Farm to School initiative enhances the connection that communities have with local growers to increase Florida products served in schools, offer healthier options for Florida’s school children and get students involved in nutrition and agriculture education through school garden activities.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) understands that it can be difficult for small farms to work with schools without certain certifications. As a solution, FDACS, as a part of the Farm to School initiative, has developed the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)/Good Handling Practices (GHP) Certification Program.

The GAP/GHP Certification Program is a cost-share/reimbursement program designed to assist Florida producers with the cost of a GAP/GHP food safety audit with the intent to sell produce to Florida schools. 

The GAP/GHP Certification Program will allow more Florida producers the opportunity to supply schools with fresh Florida produce. Please read the Program Overview [ 164.4 kB ] for more information.

How to Apply

To apply to the GAP/GHP Certification Program, review the  Program Instructions [ 676.7 kB ] , then complete and submit an application[ ].