GAP Connections August Newsletter

GAP Connections is offering farmworker training on a range of topics including all the required topics for GAPC Certification.

This training can be done on your farm or at an extension office. It is interactive, fun, and educational and can be offered in English and Spanish. Basic training can be completed in 2-hours with the option to add additional topics and time as needed.

Have produce on your farm?

Consider adding food safety topics such as handling and hygiene for workers.

Do you want to discuss the expectations you have in handling or harvesting the crop?

Do you want to discuss the importance of maintaining worker housing in good condition?

All of this and more can be addressed at this training!

A farmworker in North Carolina said,

"I think the training was perfect because it helped us take precautions in the work that we do during the season."

The GAPC Customized Farmworker Training cost-share program would not be possible without the generous sponsorships from Altria Client Services, Burley & Dark Tobacco Producers Association, Burley Stabilization Cooperative, Gallatin Redrying & Storage Company, Hail & Cotton, Pxyus/Alliance One International, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina, Universal Leaf, and US Tobacco Cooperative.

The GAPC Customized Farmworker Training cost-share program is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To take advantage of this program contact GAPC Training Coordinator, at (865) 622-4606. extension 107 or arochkes@gapconnections.com

Benefits of Farmworker Training

1. Increased Productivity and Performance:

When workers undergo training, it improves their skills and knowledge of the job and builds their confidence in their abilities. This will improve their performance and make them work more effectively and effectively.

2. Reduced Wastage:

When workers are trained, they will learn to make good, safe, and economical use of the farm's materials, tools, and equipment. Accidents and equipment damage will be minimized.

3. Boosted Morale:

Workers on farms who go through training programs will feel like they are a part of a supportive work environment where they are appreciated, which will boost their morale and make them approach their job duties with more self-confidence.

4. Improved Knowledge of Expectations:

A good training program will always help workers get acquainted with the farm's expectations, reducing conflict and misunderstanding between themselves and the employer.

5. Better Workplace Environment:

Consistent training will help workers work more effectively in the workplace environment. This creates an atmosphere in the organization that encourages every worker to feel valued and welcomed.

Summer Weather Tough on Tobacco Growing Areas in Kentucky

Monitoring Visits will continue to take place until the first of October. Reminders for those participating in the program...

Wind, rain, and hail have been moving through the Burley and Dark tobacco growing regions since July damaging what started off as a good crop. Excessive rain with epic flooding along with wind and hail has taken a toll on the tobacco crop in the Jackson Purchase area of Kentucky. Growers are now reporting Angular Leaf Spot is starting to show up in what is left of the tobacco crop.

GAP Connections (GAPC) has been taking many calls from growers asking questions about cancelling Monitoring Visits. Here are a few questions and answers about the steps if you are considering cancelling your 2023 GAPC Certification Program Monitoring Visit.

Question: My crop has been lost. Can I cancel my Monitoring Visit?

Answer: Yes, the reduction of crop yield and quality due to pests, diseases, weather, natural disasters, or mechanical factors are out of the control of the grower. GAPC can cancel the Monitoring Visit upon your request.

Question: What do I need to do to cancel my Monitoring Visit?

Answer: If a grower wishes to cancel their Monitoring Visit, the grower should contact GAPC and request the cancellation.

GAPC asks the grower to alert and notify all their contracting companies of the crop loss before cancelling their Monitoring Visit.

GAPC will notify the Monitoring Firm and make the requested Monitoring Visit cancellation on behalf of the grower.

Question: Are the fees associated with the Certification Program and Monitoring Visit refundable?

Answer: Certification Applications fees paid at the time of applying for the Certification Program are non-refundable.

If the grower has paid in advance of the Monitoring Visit being scheduled or conducted, the grower is encouraged to work with the chosen Monitoring Firm to get the fees for the Monitoring Visit refunded.

GAPC staff are here to assist you. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact GAPC at (865) 622-4606 or info@gapconnections.com

Wind damage to tobacco crop in Christian County, Kentucky.

GAPC has a partnership with Jackson Lewis to provide growers with a comprehensive risk management helpline service carefully designed to help manage workforce employment issues and reduce exposure to employment-related liability.

This helpline is FREE to all GAPC grower members. Growers can access the helpline by phone (833) 499-0275 or email GAPConnectionsHotline@jacksonlewis.com. When contacting the helpline, please be prepared to provide, your name, GAPC grower ID #, location, type of issue, phone, and email (if available).

865.622.4606 | info@gapconnections.com | 2450 E.J. Chapman Drive Knoxville, TN 37996

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AUGUST NEWSLETTER

There is Still Time to Take Advantage of the Cost-share Farmworker Training

GAPC Tobacco Certification

Monitoring Visit Update

Give it a try...GAPC HR/Legal Helpline

Jackson Lewis