GAP Standards can be no less confusing than FSMA – another food safety rule, another acronym…Many farmers are left wondering what the difference is and what this “GAP” is all about. GAP stands for “Good Agricultural Practices” and it is a voluntary audit program for food safety. (Although it’s technically voluntary, your buyers may require your participation as a term of selling to them.) To learn more, check out our free resource, Checklist for Managing Your Food Safety Liability, which includes information about GAP standards. For more detailed information about GAP standards, see our comprehensive Farmers’ Guide to Food Safety Liability (pgs. 13-15) to learn how GAP (and its relative GHP) fits into food safety overall.

You can also visit the USDA’s website on GAP standards for even more comprehensive information.