University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Potato Program

The Potato Program team at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension provides information on potato and rotation crop production. This page is for GAP or Good Agricultural Practices Information.

As we are getting familiar with GAP certification, many questions are being raised. I have collected frequently asked questions (FAQ): Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03.18.10). If you have specific questions, please read the FAQ to see if that question has been raised already. If you have a question that has not been raised, please email it to me (click on the link at the bottom of the page) and I will pass it on to get answered and add it to the FAQ list.

The forms are downloadable and printable!

The GAP certification verifies the farm’s adherence to the Food and Drug Administration’s “Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.” Copies are available at: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/GuidanceDocuments/ProduceandPlanProducts/ucm064574.htm

A list of US potato operations currently GAP certified can be viewed at: click here (may open in Adobe)

A list of Maine operations currently GAP certified can be viewed at: click here  (may open in Adobe)

The USDA GAP audit has several parts. All must pass the General Questions and then move onto whichever part or parts are required. Most will have to pass Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4 in addition to the General Questions. You need to know exactly what is required in your situation.

This is an overview article adapted from an article that appeared in the March 2007 issue of SPUDLINES 45(1):4-6 GAP informational article

A contract agreement must be signed before participation in the GAP program. GAP agreement

There are self audits for each section. If you can’t pass the self audits, you will likely not pass the actual audit. There are documentation files for each section. Required documentation is detailed. The generic Farm Food Safety Program is designed for Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4 in addition to the General Questions. There is an addendum to the generic Farm Food Safety Program designed for Part 3 (Packing House Facility).

General Questions (All must pass this portion)             Questions G-1 to G-15

Part 1 – Farm Review                                                      Questions 1-1 to 1-25

Part 2 - Field Harvest and Field Packing Activities        Questions 2-1 to 2-17

Part 4 – Storage and Transportation                               Questions 4-1 to 4-21

Part 3 – Packing House Facility                                      Questions 3-1 to 3-31

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Web site questions: 

Steven B. Johnson, Ph.D.                                   
Crops Specialist and Extension Professor                    
University of Maine Cooperative Extension                   
57 Houlton Road                                                  
Presque Isle, ME 04769                                      
                                                            
e-mail: Steve Johnson  
 
In Maine 800.287.1462 
Elsewhere 207.764.3361