The United States Department of Agriculture gave two, technically three, farms in Northwest Arkansas the GroupGAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certificate, making them the first two in the state. 

• The recipients: The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF), which is a University of Arkansas program, McGarrah Farms, and by extension the Rivercrest Orchard received the certificate. 
• Collab: The GAP certificate is a United States Department of Agriculture certification that allows farms and other organizations to expand the market in which they sell their produce. The GroupGap program enables small-scale farmers, food hubs, etc. to share certification costs. 

Read the full Talk Business & Politics story HERE.