Traceback portion now mandatory, growers told

By DAVE WILKINS
Capital Press

Changes to USDA's Good Agricultural Practices audit program include more documentation, but shouldn't require major changes in most farming operations, producers were told at the recent Idaho Potato Conference.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Nora Olsen, a University of Idaho Extension potato specialist, told growers at the conclusion of a workshop outlining changes in GAP audit requirements.

The USDA updated its Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices audit program requirements in November.

One major change: The traceback portion of the audit is now a mandatory component rather than a separate standalone section.

Operators must be able to document that a traceability program is in place, said Lynn Woodell, a University of Idaho Extension support scientist.

Growers need to be able to follow their produce both forward and backward one step in the supply chain, she said. For potato growers, that means being able to trace a load of spuds back to a field and keeping track of where it goes from there, whether into a storage cellar or to a processing plant.

Several of the changes clarify intent, Woodell said.

Most producers are probably already doing what they need to to meet the audit requirements; it's just a matter of getting it all down on paper, the UI scientists said.

The government began taking a closer look at food safety after an E. coli outbreak in spinach in September 2006. Since then, there have been food-borne illnesses linked to green onions, tomatoes and peanut butter.

Participants in the GAP audit must now provide evidence of completing at least one mock recall within six months of their audit.

Technically, participation in the GAP audit program is voluntary, although it's widespread adoption by processors, food distributors and large retailers such as Wal-Mart now also makes it a necessity for many farmers.

The government also requires GAP audits of anyone providing produce for federal food programs or the military.

GAP resources

The University of Idaho will update its GAP manual for producers in the next couple of months to reflect the latest changes. It will be available online at www.kimberly.uidaho.edu/potatoes/gap.htm

GAP guidelines are available through the Washington State Department of Agriculture's website at www.agr.wa.gov/Inspection/FVInspection/GAPGHP.aspx