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No Policy (2009)Recommend GAPs training (2009)Require GAPs training (2009)Require GAPs certification (2009)

METHODOLOGY

• 28 supermarket chains in Pennsylvania were invited to participate in an on-line survey, which included questions about their current and future GAPs policies, projected purchases of local produce, and consumers’ produce preferences.

• 15 responded, representing 606 stores statewide, for a response rate of 54%.

• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Recent multi-state outbreaks of food-borne illnesses have increased national dialogue on food safety standards. GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) are standards that intend to reduce the risk of on-farm contamination, which many supermarket chains are requiring or recommending that produce growers pass. To help Pennsylvania produce growers prepare for a GAPs audit, Penn State Cooperative Extension is developing educational materials and training.

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No PolicyRecommend GAPs trainingRequire GAPs trainingRequire GAPs certification

PURPOSES

• To assess the current and future policies and guidelines regarding GAPs requirements of supermarket chains in Pennsylvania.

• To understand supermarket chains’ perceptions of local produce’s value.

• To help clarify supermarket chains’ GAPs expectations for Pennsylvania produce growers.

• To help Penn State Cooperative Extension determine appropriate educational materials for local growers’ food safety training.

INTRODUCTION

Human Subjects Clearance was secured and approved by the Office of Research Protection, PSU under IRB #30176.

In collaboration with Luke LaBorde, Associate Professor of Food Science, Penn State University

Reason Local Organic

Fresher 100.0% 13.3%

More beneficial to the local economy

80.0% 6.7%

Better Flavor 73.3% 20.0%

More environmentally friendly 53.3% 93.3%

Healthier 46.7% 93.3%

Safer to eat 46.7% 66.7%

More nutritious 33.3% 53.3%

No particular reason 13.3% 0.0%

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

• Produce growers will need to pass a GAPs audit to continue to sell to major supermarket chains.

• Based on supermarkets’ perceptions of consumers’ preferences, stores may find it economically beneficial to purchase more local and organic produce.

• Penn State Cooperative Extension will need to continue training growers to prepare for a GAPs audit.

• Further research is needed to determine consumers’ perceptions toward food safety and local produce and to measure local growers’ attitudes and perceptions towards GAPs requirements.

Food Safety Standards and Local Produce: Perspectives from Pennsylvania SupermarketsDaniel Tobin, Master’s Candidate

Dr. Joan Thomson, ProfessorDepartment of Agricultural and Extension Education, Penn State University

2012

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2012

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2012

2009

2012

2009

Figure 1. Supermarket chains’ current and future GAPs policies: 2009-2012

Figure 3. Supermarket chains’ perceptions on why consumers purchase local or organic produce

RESULTS

Supermarket chains:

• Will increasingly require local produce growers to pass a GAPs audit.

• Currently having more stringent GAPs requirements anticipate purchasing more local produce in the future.

• Perceive that consumers purchase local produce because it is fresher, more beneficial to the local economy, and has better flavor.

• Also perceive that consumers purchase organic produce because it is more environmentally friendly, healthier, and safer to eat.

Figure 2. Supermarket chains’ projected purchases of local produce by 2012