- Attend a GAPs training (optional, but recommended);
- Develop a farm food safety plan;
- Implement practices and acquire documentation; and.
- Complete a third-party audit program.
Reasons to get a GAP certification
It’s important to comprehend the various justifications for pursuing a GAP certification if you’re thinking about getting one for your farm. Some of these reasons include:
Adhere to standards
Enrolling in the GAP program might motivate you to follow the FDA and USDA standards all year long. Participating in the audit out of a sense of commitment to food safety may increase the confidence that other producers or consumers have in your product. Following the guidelines can help your farm maintain its ability to produce, package, and distribute safe food, care for farm workers, and meet government standards for food production.
Increase your market
For the time being, obtaining a GAP certification is optional for food distribution within the United States, but many foreign buyers may demand it. By taking part in the GAP certification program, you could expand your market to include clients from other countries. Additionally, expanding your client base can boost your company’s overall success.
Ensure a high-quality product
You can label your products as USDA-approved by obtaining a GAP certification. Customers are reassured by this label that your food product is of the highest caliber and is safe to eat. Additionally, businesses handle GAP-certified products separately from others throughout the supply chain, maintaining the high quality of the product. The GAP certification increases the likelihood that your farm will be able to produce high-quality products that remain secure from production to purchase.
Increase customer loyalty
You may want to think about obtaining the GAP certification if you want a devoted clientele. You may create a following of devoted customers as a result of the certification, which attests to the safety of your product, the adherence of your farm to federal standards for food safety, and the care given to employees. The assurance that the certification offers might encourage customers to purchase your product more than once. This trust may eventually turn into a devoted clientele that consistently chooses your products over those of your rivals.
What is a GAP certification?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts an audit known as GAP, or Good Agricultural Practices. It attests to a farm’s or company’s proficiency in growing, handling, packaging, and distributing food products safely. Businesses in the agriculture sector can participate in this voluntary program, which confirms that they follow the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) standards.
Those who produce fruits and vegetables are primarily covered by the GAP certification industry. The program is jointly managed by the federal government and outside auditors who perform on-site verifications. It assists in assuring the general public that farms handle food products in a way that minimizes microbial and other potential hazards.
How to get a GAP certification
Consider following these steps to earn a GAP certification:
1. Submit an application
Making an application is the first step in obtaining a GAP certification. A copy of your farm’s food safety manual, contact information for your food safety officer, your request to schedule an audit, and a participation agreement are all included in this application. The USDA asks applicants to send these documents two weeks prior to the scheduled audit date. The cost of an audit is $100, and it is anticipated that the farm will pay the auditors’ travel expenses to and from the location. However, the price might change depending on where the auditor is located or how far they have to travel.
2. Prepare the farm for the initial audit
Make sure your farm is ready for the initial audit as the next step. This might entail a careful examination of your farm’s procedures and checking that each one complies with the guidelines in the food safety manual. You could also inform your staff that an auditor will be visiting the farm. By preparing the farm beforehand, you may have a better chance of passing the audit and receiving the GAP certification.
3. Perform the initial audit
An auditor visits the farm to conduct an initial audit after about two weeks. A thorough farm review, an evaluation of the field harvesting and packing activities, and a number of general inquiries are all included in the GAP audit. An auditor may inquire about the farm’s food safety program, including traceability and food recall policies. Additional queries regarding the health and hygiene of employees, the use of chemicals, and other pertinent farm procedures might be asked.
The auditor rates the farms’ performance in terms of food safety using a government-issued checklist. The farm must succeed in the audit with an 80% success rate in order to pass. Obtaining an audit score of 80% or higher results in USDA certification.
4. Undergo another visit
The auditor might come back for an unannounced verification visit if the initial audit is successful. This inspection essentially establishes whether your farm consistently adheres to USDA standards. Having the farm pass the audits confirms that it complies with all requirements. The auditor may conduct a second audit if the first one is unsuccessful, giving the farm a chance to pass. The GAP certification is valid after passing for a year following the date of the initial audit.
5. Update your food labels
Your ability to update your food labels to reflect your farm’s success depends on obtaining the GAP certification. This demonstrates to other participants in the supply chain and potential clients that the food coming from your farm is secure and USDA-verified. Your sales may increase and your customers’ loyalty to your brand may grow as a result of updating your labels.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
How do I get GLOBALG.A.P. certified?
FAQ
What is a gap certification?
A voluntary certification program called Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) verifies that a farm or produce handling facility is following sound food safety procedures through an independent third-party audit.
What are GAP requirements?
G. A. P. requires that defined chain of custody protocols be followed by farms, raw material manufacturers, processing facilities, packaged product manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice establishments to ensure that all G A. P. Before being made available for purchase, certified meat products are properly labeled and separated.
How do I get a Global Gap certificate in South Africa?
- Download the relevant GLOBALG. …
- Contact your local BSI office to register for your GLOBALG.
- Before your certification audit, conduct a self-assessment using the checklist and make any necessary corrections.
- Set up an audit with BSI (an audit typically lasts two days).
How do I get a Global Gap certificate in Kenya?
- Download the relevant GLOBALG. …
- Compare offers from local certification agencies, sign up with the one you prefer, and receive your GLOBALG.
- Use the checklist to conduct a self-evaluation, and address all the shortcomings.
- Arrange an appointment with your GLOBALG.
