Greetings from Project Canaan!!!
Bringing you news from Kevin’s desk in Operations.
We have recently received the Global Gap accreditation for the PC Farm.
Before I continue, for the many who probably are not familiar with what this is please see a concise explanation below.
Global G.A.P. is an internationally recognised certified standard that ensures Good Agricultural Practises. Global Gap outlines international standards that act as a safeguard for food safety, worker’s health and safety, and environment protection.
Global G.A.P. food safety standard encompasses all process activities on the farm and is a business-to-business certification. Covering over 130 countries, it is based on reviewing on-farm compliance against three main scopes: crops, livestock and aquaculture.
Firstly, this is a major achievement and even more so because we passed on our first audit; something which does not often happen.
Ian and Maganda spent many hours going through all the requirements in trying to successfully sail uncharted waters.
In order to achieve the accreditation, there were pages and pages of documents which needed to be completed and much construction and upgrades to the present infrastructure and facilities.
This was only achieved by continued cooperation between Maganda, the Farm Manager together with the Farm Staff and Denis, the Property Manager and his amazing Maintenance Team.
After each visit from various inspectors there were always additional items which needed to be purchased or areas which did not meet the specifications.
This accreditation has a massive implication on the farm and the future of PC. This will greatly contribute to the PC goal of heading towards achieving self-sustainability.
If all goes according to plan, in September 2024 the farm will begin supplying +/- 2400kgs (=/- 5290 lbs) of assorted vegetables per week to a company Fresh To Go in South Africa who in turn supply Woolworths (similar to Wholefoods in the USA).
Over the years much effort and finance has been put into the farm to achieve this important mile stone and now we have the opportunity to benefit from the effort.
The hard work really begins now as the farm is required to be able supply the specified quantities of vegetables every week throughout the year.
Not only that. It is paramount that we consistently produce vegetables of a standard that complies with the prescribed specifications of the Client. We really have one chance!!!
So please keep us in your prayers as we continue to serve
Our Almighty God.
Kevin Connor, Project Canaan Operations