Expert Instruction
The other mode, expert instruction was the connection of the farms to food safety experts in the industry. The expert instruction was able to provide the farms with information from, interaction with, and real feedback on the progress that they were making from buyers and auditors. Educational audits were conducted by the food safety auditors in advance of the certification audit. Several food safety experts from the buyer companies toured and reviewed farms, inspected fields, and answered questions about food safety compliance. These visits were invaluable in providing the farms with the industry’s perspective on food safety and its importance. Also, out-of-state tours were arranged for the program farmers to see large, operating commercial farms and their food safety procedures and activities.