Member-only story
I’m Not Your Voice Of Change
When visiting Amish farmers and preforming GAP audits, you find a pattern of responses, especially in the same community using the same food safety plan template and the same checklists. Going through the audit, I already knew which questions would be sticking points.
Sitting across the table from this farmer, I was about to reach one of these points. It was a discussion that was always difficult to have. It wasn’t easy to explain to someone who’s first language was English, let alone Dutch.
Arriving at this point we argued about it, which was surprising. Most farmers just nodded their heads and said, “If that’s what has to happen.” This farmer was more belligerent, and wanted to challenge the point saying it didn’t make sense. I agreed and reminded him that it was still the rule that had to be followed. If he wanted to be GAP Certified, he’d follow it and move on.
As I continued to fill out the paperwork, moving forward to other concerns and issues, the farmer stewed. Eventually, as we drew to a close of the audit, he asked me to pass along to the company I audited for that this particular requirement was unnecessary and inconvenient.
I replied that I wouldn’t be doing that. I am neither a GAP farmer or a farmer in general, my opinion on these standards means little because they do not effect me. If the farmer…
