Michigan State University researchers are conducting a study through April 1 to assess buyer requirements for produce safety standards in the U.S.
Through the survey, available online, researchers are looking for responses from growers, buyers and service providers.
“We are particularly interested in understanding the factors limiting growers’ adoption and the acceptance of the food standards by stakeholders in the fresh produce industry,” according to the survey.
“Your participation in this survey will help us understand the cost implications of implementing produce standards, as well as the technical, institutional, capacity gaps, and market considerations affecting the adoption of standards by growers and their acceptance by fresh produce buyers.”
The focus of this research is to understand the current status of buyers’ acceptance and growers’ adoption of USDA GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), other Harmonized GAP and group produce audits.
“This survey will help produce outcomes that will inform USDA, fresh produce buyers, service providers, farmers, and other stakeholders in the sector about how the constraining factors can be addressed,” researchers said.
“Respondents who complete the survey will have the opportunity to indicate whether they want to receive the results of the study. We thank you for your time and anticipated participation in the study.”
