Good Agricultural Practices (gap) For Crop Farmers: Quality & Safety From Farm To Fork

Introduction:

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Crop Farmers equips farmers with the knowledge and skills to implement best practices for safe and sustainable crop production. This course focuses on ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, and product quality through GAP standards. Participants will learn to manage farm operations, implement traceability systems, and comply with regulatory requirements. By mastering GAP, farmers can enhance market access, improve consumer trust, and ensure long-term farm viability.

Target Audience:

• Crop farmers and growers
• Farm managers and supervisors
• Agricultural extension officers and advisors
• Agricultural inspectors and auditors
• Food safety professionals
• Quality assurance managers
• Agricultural cooperatives and associations
• Agribusiness professionals
• Rural development practitioners
• Agricultural educators
• Horticulture professionals
• Seed producers and distributors
• Students and enthusiasts of sustainable agriculture

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
• Implement techniques for ensuring food safety in crop production.
• Understand and comply with GAP standards and regulations.
• Implement techniques for managing farm operations and record-keeping.
• Understand the role of traceability systems in GAP.
• Implement techniques for managing soil health and fertility in GAP.
• Understand the role of integrated pest management in GAP.
• Implement techniques for water management and irrigation in GAP.
• Understand the role of safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs.
• Implement techniques for safe harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• Understand the role of environmental sustainability in GAP.
• Implement techniques for worker health and safety in agricultural operations.
• Develop strategies for achieving and maintaining GAP certification.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

• Principles and objectives of GAP.
• Understanding the role of GAP in food safety and sustainability.
• Benefits of implementing GAP standards.
• Historical context and evolution of GAP.

Module 2: Ensuring Food Safety in Crop Production

• Techniques for preventing contamination.
• Implementing hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Managing biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
• Utilizing risk assessment and control measures.

Module 3: GAP Standards and Regulations

• Understanding national and international GAP standards.
• Implementing regulatory requirements and compliance.
• Utilizing certification schemes and audits.
• Managing documentation and records.

Module 4: Farm Operations and Record-Keeping

• Techniques for planning and managing farm operations.
• Implementing traceability systems and record-keeping procedures.
• Utilizing farm management software and tools.
• Managing input and output records.

Module 5: Traceability Systems

• Implementing lot identification and tracking.
• Utilizing barcode and RFID technologies.
• Managing product flow from farm to market.
• Benefits of traceability in food safety and quality assurance.

Module 6: Soil Health and Fertility Management

• Techniques for maintaining soil health and fertility.
• Implementing sustainable soil management practices.
• Utilizing organic amendments and fertilizers.
• Managing nutrient and water resources.

Module 7: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Implementing IPM strategies for pest and disease control.
• Utilizing biological and cultural control methods.
• Managing pesticide use and residues.
• Benefits of minimizing chemical inputs.

Module 8: Water Management and Irrigation

• Techniques for efficient water use and irrigation.
• Managing water quality and sources.
• Implementing water conservation practices.
• Utilizing irrigation scheduling and monitoring.

Module 9: Safe Handling and Storage of Agricultural Inputs

• Implementing safe handling procedures for pesticides and fertilizers.
• Managing storage facilities and conditions.
• Utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Addressing chemical spills and waste disposal.

Module 10: Safe Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

• Techniques for harvesting crops at optimal maturity.
• Implementing safe handling and transportation practices.
• Managing post-harvest treatments and storage.
• Utilizing cold chain management.

Module 11: Environmental Sustainability

• Implementing practices for biodiversity conservation.
• Managing waste and pollution.
• Utilizing energy-efficient technologies.
• Benefits of reducing environmental impacts.

Module 12: Worker Health and Safety

• Implementing occupational health and safety standards.
• Utilizing safety training and awareness programs.
• Managing emergency response procedures.
• Benefits of creating a safe working environment.

Module 13: Achieving and Maintaining GAP Certification

• Developing a GAP implementation plan.
• Preparing for GAP audits and inspections.
• Managing corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Benefits of GAP certification in market access.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful GAP Implementations

• Analyzing real-world examples of GAP implementation.
• Highlighting best practices and innovative techniques.
• Documenting economic and environmental impacts.
• Farmer testimonials and site visits.

Module 15: The Future of GAP in Agriculture

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations in GAP.
• Integrating new technologies and data management systems.
• Adapting to evolving market demands and regulatory changes.
• Building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems through GAP.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.