Good Agricultural Practices, Good Handling Practices and Mushroom-specific GAP (MGAP)
Cost Share Program
The GAP/GHP Cost Share Program provides direct financial support through cost sharing of applicable certification fees to producers and processors who successfully complete a USDA GAP or GHP audit.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are voluntary audits that verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. GAP & GHP audits verify adherence to the recommendations made in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (pdf) and industry recognized food safety practices.
Any business or individual located in Pennsylvania that successfully completes one initial USDA (GAP), (GHP) or (MGAP) audit is eligible to apply.
Guidelines & Uses
The cost share program is designed to help defray some of the costs related to a successful audit.
This is a voluntary program; Qualified applicants may only receive funding for one (1) successful audit per calendar year.
To qualify for a reimbursement for 2022, applicants must have successfully completed an approved USDA GAP/GHP or MGAP audit on or between January 1 thru September 30, 2022.
You must submit all required paperwork including the Statement For Audit Services Rendered in order to receive the reimbursement. You may only apply (1) time for this reimbursement. There are still monies available for this Reimbursement Program.
How to Apply
The 2022 GAP/GHP and MGAP Cost Share Program is now closed, and applications closed October 1, 2022, based on current funding. Please click the link below for the letter and the application.
Contact
Michele Brookins
717-787-5319
RA-AgBusiness@pa.gov