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.
2024 GAP Certified NH Farms
Autumnview Farm
Carter Hill Orchard
D.S. Cole Growers
McKenzie’s Farm
Oliver Merrill & Sons Farm
Patch Orchards
Peachblow Farm
Pearl & Sons Farm
Timber Hill Family Farm
Viel Farm
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:
The GHP certification process is for operations that conduct packing activities of fresh fruits and vegetables. This also consists of three (3) sections:
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.
For more information on the GAP/GHP Certification requirements, visit the USDA GAP website.
To request a GAP/GHP audit, a completed Audit Request Form and an Audit Agreement are required.
These forms are also available on the USDA website. The completed forms may be emailed to Allen Wyman at allen.g.wyman@agr.nh.gov, faxed to (603) 271-1109, or mailed to:
NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food
Division of Regulatory Services
PO Box 2042
Concord, NH 03302
In addition to the 2 forms, a copy of your Food Safety Plan must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the scheduled audit visit.
USDA, AMS, sets the fee structure and billing policy for its voluntary Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices, (GAP/GHP) audit program. You will receive two bills for your USDA GAP/GHP audit, based on current USDA Hour fee.
Please click on this link to learn more about USDA’s Billing Policy and Process.
-Vendor Form
All USDA GAP participants must complete and submit an SC-430 New Vendor Form before scheduling an audit. The SC-430 form and instructions are posted on the AMS website at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/sc430.
Click here for a copy of the SC-430 Vendor Form
-Submission
You may submit your completed SC-430 form using the information listed below:
USDA, AMS, SCI, ASB
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Stop 0247, Room 0707-S
Washington, DC 20250-0247
If you do not submit your SC-430 form New Vendor form, you will not be able to schedule the USDA GAP audit.
For those interested in requesting a Harmonized GAP audit, please contact the USDA Audit Services Branch directly at:
Telephone: (202) 720-5021
Fax:(866) 230-9168
Email: SCAudits@ams.usda.gov
Portable Document Format (.pdf). Visit nh.gov for a list of free .pdf readers for a variety of operating systems.
NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food
Mailing: PO Box 2042, Concord NH 03302 -2042
Physical: 1 Granite Place South, Suite 211, Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3551 | fax: (603) 271-1109