07/29/08 GAP audits

Farms whose produce is used in federal food programs or sold to major processors and fresh packers must pass USDA Good Agricultural Practices audits. To help Idaho's potato growers clear the audit hurdles, University of Idaho Extension educators have developed a Web site on which producers can learn about the audit's procedures and requirements, familiarize themselves with the paperwork an Idaho State Department of Agriculture auditor might ask to see and fill in the forms electronically. U of I potato specialist Nora Olsen is one of the three educators working on the site. OLSEN "We actually wrote up an "SOP, a standard operating procedures and every farm has to have one. And so we went through and kind of cross referenced it to the actual audit. The person looking at the audit can say oh yes you have something written up right here specifically to this audit question." In addition to documents and standard operating procedures, the Web site includes audit checklists, Spanish and English language employee policy forms, and information on ordering such items as employee training placards and videos. You'll find it at www.kimberly.uidaho.edu/potatoes/gap.htm. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott