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Buyers, retailers, and schools increasingly require a food safety audit before they'll purchase from a farm. Passing one comes down to preparation: a written plan, good records, and knowing what the auditor checks. This page points you to the official programs and the trusted prep resources so you walk in ready, not guessing.
What a GAP/GHP Audit Is (USDA AMS)
USDA AMS · Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Audits:
The official USDA program. GAP audits are voluntary audits verifying that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored to minimize microbial food safety hazards. Start here to understand the program and audit types.
USDA audit Checklist (Know Before You're Scored)
USDA AMS · GAP Audit Program & Checklist:
The auditor scores you against a standardized checklist, and the checklist itself defines when a document is required and what type of documentation is necessary. Review the exact checklist your auditor will use before you ever schedule. Version 3.0 of the USDA GAP checklist is required for audits performed after July 31, 2022.
USDA GAP Audit Program & Checklist: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp/audit
GAP Checklist V3.0 (PDF): https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/GAPChecklistVersion3.pdf
Harmonized GAP Checklist (current): https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/HarmonizedGAPCombinedChecklist6.2.pdf
FDA - FSMA Preventive Controls and Audit Readiness
Requires written food safety plans with hazard analysis, risk-based preventive controls, supply-chain verification, and recall procedures. Designate a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) to oversee the plan. Use the free FDA Food Safety Plan Builder. Internal audits and mock inspections prepare for regulatory inspection.
A guide to help growers implement and document good agricultural practices and prepare for a third-party audit, updated to include the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, following the structure of the actual USDA checklist section by section.
Build Your Food Safety Plan (Templates)
Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse · GAP/GHP SOP & Log Templates:
A manual with standard operating procedure (SOP) templates and the records needed for compliance with the USDA GAP & GHP Audit program. A documented plan is required to pass, this gives you the templates to build one.
Help Paying for It (Cost-Share)
USDA · Food Safety Certification Cost Share (FSCSC):
Audits and certifications carry real costs. Federal cost-share programs reimburse eligible specialty crop growers for significant portions of food safety certification expenses. FSCSC (Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops) covers GAP audits, PCQI training, food safety plans, and testing. OCCSP assists organic producers with certification renewal costs. GroupGAP lets small and mid-sized farms pool resources to share audit costs. Check eligibility and current deadlines before paying out of pocket. Most programs award on first-come, first-served basis.
Organic Certification Cost Share (OCCSP): https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/organic-certification-cost-share-program-occsp
FSCSC (Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops): https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/national-deadlines/01-31-2026/food-safety-certification-specialty-crops-program-fscsc
USDA Group GAP: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/groupgap
