Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices

Good Agricultural Practices, Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) were developed by USDA as a result of requests from states, shippers and growers. This program provides uniformity of a national auditing program for the fresh produce industry verifying good agricultural and handling practices. This is an independent, third-party, audit-based service provided by licensed GAP/GHP inspectors who have successfully completed the GAP/GHP training class and have participated in a minimum of three audits, including two as the lead auditor. This type of audit is required by some purchasers of produce.

To request an Audit, please fill out the USDA GAP/GHP - Request for Audit Services form below and mail, email or fax it to: Jeanette Towsley, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Secretary, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909, Fax: (517) 335-4540, or email: towsleyj@michigan.gov. If you did not participate in the USDA GAP/GHP Audit Program in the last year, please download and complete an Agreement for Participation in Audit Verification Programs as well.

Fee Schedule: $92.00 per hour inspection, plus round trip travel. 

USDA GAP/GHP - Request for Audit Services Form 
USDA GAP/GHP - Audit Verification Checklist  
USDA GAP/GHP - Agreement for Participation in Audit Verification Programs

For questions, please call:

Lansing/MDARD	Jeanette Towsley	(517) 241-2978
Detroit/USDA	Mike Moore	(313) 928-0954