The Farmer’s Handbook for the USDA Harmonized GAP Standard, produced by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in 2024, is intended to assist small and mid-scale produce operations in preparing to meet the requirements of that audit, and so improve their opportunities to access markets for fruits and vegetables. The Handbook was developed based on challenge areas small and medium-scale produce operations have consistently encountered in meeting the requirements of the FSMA-aligned USDA HGAP audit.
As a companion to this Handbook, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association provides templates for conducting key risk assessments and for keeping certain critical records.
Record Keeping Templates for Harmonized GAP Standard-Aligned Farmers
All files are .docx and may download when opening upon clicking the links.
- Visitor Sign-In Record
- Product Washing_Hydro-Cooling_Recirculating Water Treatment and Monitoring Record
- Preventive Maintenance and Sanitation Schedule Record
- Pest and Rodent Control Record
- Notice of Unusual Occurrence and Corrective Actions Form
- Mock Recall Record
- Water Source Testing Record
- HGAP Audit Preparation Checklist
Risk Assessment Templates for Harmonized GAP Standard-Aligned Farmers
All files are .docx and may download when opening upon clicking the links.
- Allergen Risk Assessment
- Animal Control Risk Assessment
- Biological Soil Amendment of Animal Origin
- Land Use History and Adjacent Land Risk Assessment
- Water System Risk Assessment
- Produce Washing Process Risk Assessment
- Preharvest Risk Assessment Template
Development of the Handbook was coordinated by the Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) of the Ohio State University and funded through a cooperative agreement with the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA AMS).
