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GAP and GHP

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP)

GAP & GHP audits are offered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) under the USDA Federal-State Audit Program. GAP & GHP audits are provided by USDA-trained and licensed ODA auditors in seven districts across the state of Oregon. With GAP & GHP certification, businesses can assure buyers and consumers that they have taken proactive measures to reduce the risk of contamination by adhering to generally recognized industry best practices

Harmonized GAP and Harmonized GAP Plus+ audits are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as being aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Additionally, the Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit is recognized as technically equivalent by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which allows applicants to access a wider range of markets.

GAP & GHP audit services offered by ODA include:

The USDA GAP&GHP audit is divided into sections, each of which covers a specific portion of the supply chain:

  • GAP: Part 1 (Farm Review) and Part 2 (Field Harvest & Field Packing Activities)
  • GHP: Part 3 (House Packing Facility) and Part 4 (Storage and Transportation), or Part 5 (Preventive Food Defense Procedures).

Harmonizeed GAP

USDA incorporated the United Fresh Produce GAPs Harmonized Food Safety Standard into its GAP & GHP audit program in 2011. The result is Harmonized GAP, which includes four scopes (General Questions, Field Operations and Harvesting, Post-Harvest Operations, and Logo Use).

Harmonized GAP Plus+

Buyers are increasingly requiring their suppliers to undergo Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audits. In response, USDA introduced the Harmonized GAP Plus+ standard beginning May 1, 2018. Harmonized GAP Plus+ is recognized as being GFSI technically equivalent, enabling producers to use a single audit to meet various marketing and regulatory requirements. The Harmonized GAP Plus+ audit is also recognized by the FDA as being aligned with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Mushroom GAP (M-GAP)

Mushroom GAP audits are performed to satisfy the requirements of the mushroom industry. These voluntary audits cover the mushroom production and supply chain from start to finish. Specific guidance for this program, titled "Industry-Wide Food Safety Standards for Fresh Mushroom Growing, Harvesting, and Shipping," was developed by the American Mushroom Institute and Penn State University.

Application Process

 

NOTE:

Please apply at least four weeks prior to your requested audit date.

Returning applicants

New Customers:

  • "Specialty Crops Inspection Division Vendor Form"( SC-430)
    • SC-430 Instructions Form
      • This form creates an account for you with USDA. This allows USDA to bill you for their services. Please see the "Fees" section below for more information.
  1. Upload the forms to the application site
  2. You will receive an automated message once your materials are properly uploaded.
  3. ODA will contact you to schedule an audit date.
  4. Prior to your audit date, your auditor will provide an "Audit Plan and Cost Estimate."

Fees

Customers will receive two invoices, one from ODA and one from USDA

  • ODA fee: $163 / hour with a four-hour minimum
    • ODA's audit fees are established in OAR 603-053-0250
    • ODA's fee covers the auditors time spent preparing for the audit, traveling to and from the audit location, time on site and time spent writing and reviewing the audit report.
  • USDA fee: $163 / hour

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