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. 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 # In collaboration with Luke LaBorde, Associate Professor of Food Science, Penn State University ReasonLocalOrganic Fresher100.0%13.3% More beneficial to the local economy 80.0%6.7% Better Flavor73.3%20.0% More environmentally friendly53.3%93.3% Healthier46.7%93.3% Safer to eat46.7%66.7% More nutritious33.3%53.3% No particular reason13.3%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 Supermarkets Daniel Tobin, Master’s Candidate Dr. Joan Thomson, Professor Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Penn State University Figure 1. Supermarket chains’ current and future GAPs policies: 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