NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MSC 3189, P.O Box 30005 - Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8005 Office of the Director/Secretary Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez, Director/Secretary
MEDIA ADVISORY	Fax: (575)646-8120

 Barker Produce Receives Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Certification

“Barker Produce of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has successfully received Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) certification for the third consecutive year,” announced Edward Avalos, marketing director for New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA).  Barker Produce, a major packer/shipper of onions was the first New Mexico company to receive certification under the United States Department of Agriculture Audit Program. 

“GHP and GAP certification allows us to sell onions to major processors throughout the country,” says Larry Barker, president of Barker Produce. 

“NMDA is also working to certify other New Mexico companies by conducting training workshops throughout the state,” says Dr. I. Miley Gonzalez, New Mexico secretary of agriculture.  Audits are performed on an annual basis per commodity.