GAP/GHP Program

Good Agriculture Practices/Good Handling Practices Audit Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, in partnership with state departments of agriculture, offers a voluntary, audit-based program to verify agricultural practices. GAP/GHP audits verify the implementation of a basic food safety program on the farm. This includes examining the farm practices and handling/ packing procedures focusing on packing facilities, storage facilities and wholesale distribution centers. These audits are based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guidelines to Minimize Microbial Contamination for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and are a fee-based service. Link to USDA's GAP/GHP Program

Audit Program Checklist

Auditors use a checklist format questionnaire to ask growers a wide variety of questions about their growing operation. The end result is a total score that helps measure the grower’s food safety preparedness.

Visit the GAP/GHP audit form.

Wisconsin Contact for GAP/GHP Program is the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program

GAP/GHP Cost Share Program

GAP/GHP Cost Share Program
Allows for eligible parties to be reimbursed 75% of the audit cost, with no cap on the amount. To be eligible, a GAP/GHP audit must be conducted, and the bill must be paid on time.