
Fruit and vegetable farmers can apply for a couple of cost-share grants grants to help with the costs of water analysis and independent certification of an operation’s good agricultural practices offered through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Water Analysis Cost Share grant program will reimburse growers up to $200 for certified laboratory analysis of irrigation and packing house wash water for the presence of generic E. coli bacteria. For an application, contact Kevin Hardison at (919) 733-7887.
The department also offers the Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program, which covers up to $600 for independent audits of a farm’s GAP or good handling practices. For more information or to obtain an application for the GAP Certification Assistance Program, contact Shirley Nicholson at (919) 733-7887.
Listen in as Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda Garrison discuss these cost-share programs.
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