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The NH Department of Agriculture, Division of Regulatory Services offers GAP/GHP certification under the USDA Federal-State Audit Program. GAP refers to “Good Agricultural Practices,” and GHP refers to “Good Handling Practices.”

This nationally recognized cooperative partnership performs audits based on the Food and Drug Administration’s Guidelines to Minimize Microbial Contamination for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. GAP & GHP audits are performed on a voluntary basis at the request of NH farmers and packing operations.

What is GAP & GHP?
The purpose of the GAP/GHP program is to provide consumers with confidence that they are purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts that have been handled in a manner to reduce the risk of microbial contamination. The auditors verify compliance with the scopes requested by the application, of the USDA Federal/State Audit Checklist.

The GAP certification process consists of three (3) main sections for farm operations:

1. General questions
2. Farm review
3. Field harvest and field packing

The GHP certification process is for operations that conduct packing activities of fresh fruits and vegetables. This also consists of three (3) sections:

1. General questions
2. House packing facility
3. Storage and transportation

Every operation must compile a farm safety program, which outlines the standard operating procedures and policies that are in practice for the requirements of each section. In certain circumstances, documentation must also be provided to substantiate evidence of compliance with the requirements in the checklist. Additionally, trace back and mock recall requirements have been included in the General questions, and all other sections where applicable and a traceability program must be in place and documented before on-site inspection occurs.

GAP Requirements:
For more information on the GAP/GHP Certification requirements, visit the USDA GAP website.

Requesting a GAP Audit:
To request a GAP/GHP audit, please fill out an audit request form and an audit agreement and send them to NHDAMF. The forms may be faxed to (603) 271-1109, emailed to victoria.smith@agr.nh.gov or mailed to:

NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food
Division of Regulatory Services
PO Box 2042
Concord, NH 03302

Applicants are charged for their audits after a field visit has been made at a rate of $92/hr (as set by USDA) plus an additional $50 USDA administrative fee.

Further Reading:
Food Safety Begins on the Farm -- Cornell University

Visit the Contact Us page for Division of Regulatory Services contact information.

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