We are proud to announce that our farm has successfully met the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Acceptance Criteria and is now officially listed in the USDA GAP & GHP database.
This milestone represents more than just a certification—it reflects our commitment to food safety, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality products you can trust.
What Is USDA GAP & GHP?
The USDA GAP & GHP Audit Verification Program is a voluntary, third-party food safety audit administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. It evaluates how farms grow, harvest, pack, handle, and store produce to minimize the risk of contamination.
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) focuses on on-farm production and harvesting
- GHP (Good Handling Practices) focuses on post-harvest processes like packing, storage, and distribution
The program is based on science-backed guidance from the FDA and industry standards designed to reduce microbial food safety risks.
What It Takes to Meet USDA Acceptance Criteria
To be listed as meeting USDA acceptance criteria, a farm must successfully pass a comprehensive audit that evaluates:
- Implementation of a documented food safety plan
- Proper sanitation and hygiene practices
- Safe water usage and testing procedures
- Worker health and training protocols
- Traceability and recordkeeping systems
- Harvesting, packing, and storage procedures
Auditors conduct on-site inspections, review documentation, and observe operations in real time to verify compliance.
Importantly, this is not a one-time checklist—it’s an ongoing system. Farms must maintain compliance, address any corrective actions, and may be subject to unannounced verification visits throughout the season.
What Being Listed Means
After successfully meeting all requirements, farms:
- Receive official USDA recognition
- Are publicly listed in the USDA GAP & GHP database
- Hold certification that is valid for one year and must be renewed annually
This listing signals to buyers, partners, and customers that the farm has met nationally recognized food safety standards.
Why This Matters
Achieving USDA GAP & GHP acceptance is a major step forward for any farm operation. It:
- Builds trust with customers and wholesale buyers
- Opens doors to larger markets, including retailers and institutions that require certification
- Demonstrates a proactive commitment to food safety and risk reduction
- Strengthens internal systems and operational discipline
While the certification does not guarantee that produce is completely free from contamination, it verifies that the farm is following best practices to significantly reduce those risks.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
Being listed under USDA GAP & GHP acceptance criteria is just the beginning. We remain committed to:
- Continuous improvement of our food safety systems
- Maintaining rigorous documentation and training
- Delivering safe, high-quality products to our community
This achievement reflects the standards we hold ourselves to every day—and the trust we strive to earn with every harvest.
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