USDA HARMONIZED GAP+

Water Quality Management:

• Testing and Treatment: Regular testing of agricultural water for microbial contaminants and proper treatment if necessary.
• Irrigation Practices: Implementing practices to ensure water used for irrigation does not contribute to contamination.

Worker Health and Hygiene:

• Training Programs: Providing training for workers on proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and sanitary procedures.
• Facilities: Ensuring adequate facilities such as handwashing stations, restrooms, and clean break areas for workers.
• Health Policies: Establishing policies to prevent sick workers from handling produce.

Soil Amendments:

• Composting Practices: Properly composting manure and other organic materials to reduce microbial risks.
• Application Timing: Implementing guidelines for the safe application of soil amendments to minimize contamination.

Wildlife and Domestic Animal Control:

• Exclusion Measures: Implementing measures to exclude wildlife and domestic animals from growing areas to prevent contamination.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring and assessment of potential animal intrusion risks.

Pesticide and Fertilizer Use:

• Proper Application: Ensuring that pesticides and fertilizers are applied according to label instructions and regulatory requirements.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all pesticide and fertilizer applications.

Post-Harvest Handling and Storage:

• Sanitation: Implementing strict sanitation protocols for equipment, storage areas, and packing facilities.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining appropriate temperature controls to prevent microbial growth during storage and transportation.
• Packaging: Using clean and safe packaging materials to protect produce from contamination.

Traceability and Recall Procedures:

• Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of production, harvesting, and distribution to enable traceability.
• Recall Plan: Developing and implementing a recall plan to quickly address any food safety issues that arise.

Farm and Facility Inspections:

• Regular Audits: Undergoing regular audits by USDA-approved third-party auditors to verify compliance with the standards.
• Internal Inspections: Conducting routine internal inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to food safety practices.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Comprehensive Records: Keeping comprehensive records of all food safety practices, including water tests, worker training, soil amendments, pest control measures, and post-harvest handling procedures.
• Audit Preparation: Maintaining organized and accessible records to facilitate the audit process.

Training and Education:

• Continuous Training: Providing continuous training and education for all employees involved in production, handling, and storage to ensure they understand and follow food safety protocols.
• Updates on Regulations: Staying informed about the latest food safety regulations and scientific advancements to ensure ongoing compliance.

Food Safety Plan:

• Comprehensive Plan: Developing a comprehensive food safety plan that outlines all procedures, practices, and protocols related to food safety.
• Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential food safety hazards.

Infrastructure and Equipment:

• Maintenance: Ensuring that all infrastructure and equipment used in the production, handling, and storage of produce are well-maintained and regularly cleaned.
• Design: Designing facilities and equipment to minimize the risk of contamination.

1. Initial Assessment and Preparation:

• Understanding Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards and requirements. Review the USDA GAP+ audit checklist to understand what will be evaluated.
• Gap Analysis: Conduct an internal gap analysis to identify areas where your current practices do not meet the USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards.
• Develop a Food Safety Plan: Create a comprehensive food safety plan that outlines procedures for water quality management, worker health and hygiene, soil amendments, wildlife control, pesticide and fertilizer use, post-harvest handling, traceability, and recall procedures.

2. Implementation of Standards:

• Training: Train your staff on the food safety practices and standards required for USDA Harmonized GAP+ certification.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Make any necessary improvements to your facilities and equipment to meet the standards.
• Documentation: Establish a system for maintaining comprehensive records of all food safety practices, including water tests, worker training, soil amendments, pest control measures, and post-harvest handling procedures.

3. Pre-Audit:

• Internal Audit: Conduct an internal audit to ensure all standards are being met and documentation is complete. This helps identify any remaining gaps or areas that need improvement before the official audit.
• Corrective Actions: Address any issues identified during the internal audit and make necessary adjustments to your practices and documentation.

4. Scheduling the Audit:

• Select an Auditor: Choose a USDA-approved third-party certifying body to conduct the audit. You can find a list of approved certifiers on the USDA website.
• Schedule the Audit: Coordinate with the certifying body to schedule a convenient time for the audit.

5. The Audit:

• On-Site Inspection: The third-party auditor will visit your farm or facility to conduct a thorough inspection. They will review your documentation, observe your operations, and interview staff to ensure compliance with the USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards.
• Audit Report: The auditor will provide a detailed report outlining their findings and any areas of non-compliance.

6. Addressing Non-Compliance:

• Corrective Actions: If the audit identifies any areas of non-compliance, you will need to implement corrective actions. This may involve additional training, process adjustments, or infrastructure improvements.
• Re-Audit (if necessary): If significant issues are found, a follow-up audit may be required to verify that corrective actions have been successfully implemented.

7. Certification:

• Certification Decision: Once all standards are met and any necessary corrective actions are completed, the certifying body will issue the USDA Harmonized GAP+ certification.
• Certificate Issuance: You will receive a certificate confirming your compliance with the USDA Harmonized GAP+ standards. This certificate is typically valid for one year.

8. Maintaining Certification:

• Annual Audits: To maintain certification, you must undergo annual audits. These audits ensure ongoing compliance with the standards and provide an opportunity for continuous improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on the latest food safety regulations and best practices. Regularly review and update your food safety plan and practices to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.

By following this process, producers can achieve USDA Harmonized GAP+ certification, demonstrating their commitment to food safety and gaining access to broader markets.