Tir na n'Og Farm

USDA - GAP/GHP

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a service to producers and customers alike with their GAP/GHP Program. GAP/GHP stands for Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practises and is designed to assure customers that the participating producers are following the best practises for food safety. Producers who are GAP certified have undergone an extensive audit by USDA or State inspectors to ensure that they are using agricultural practices that minimize any potential risk of contamination to fresh produce.

Producers must keep and maintain records of safety practices on such topics as manure/fertilizer managment, water quality for irrigation and cleaning, facilities upkeep and cleanliness, pest control, and storage. The certification audits are performed at the expense of the producer every three months during their production season to ensure that the safety practices are maintained throughout hte year. You can find a list of all currently certified producers at the USDA website.

Tir na n'Og was audited for the first time in September 2010, and passed the audit with flying colors. We are proud of our efforts to provide safe, fresh vegetables for the local area and the USDA-GAP program is one way we can assure our customers of our committment.