S.C. Agriculture Department to focus on food safety compliance

The S.C. Department of Agriculture has hired Weatherly Thomas as a statewide food safety coordinator, a new position to help farmers develop food safety plans and attain Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices certifications.

Staff Report
Published Oct. 25, 2012

This position arose from a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Having a food safety coordinator to help farmers and growers have the tools necessary for becoming GAP/GHP certified is important not only for increasing food safety, but because it also creates more marketing opportunities for our farmers,” said S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers.

Many schools and other institutions with a food service component often look for and require GAP/GHP certifications, according to a news release. Farmers that meet those standards are able to sell their produce to that growing market.

Thomas will assist farmers with fresh fruit and vegetable food-safety compliance, as well as explain the requirements of safety-oriented record keeping.

Thomas previously served as the South Carolina Farm to School Midlands Regional Coordinator, where she also helped educate farmers regarding GAP/GHP requirements.

For more information on the certifications, contact Thomas at 803-738-5937, 803-737-4373 or wthomas@scda.sc.gov.