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Quick links about CanadaGAP:
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Find out more about the CanadaGAP Program:
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Benefits to Program Participants
Certification to the CanadaGAP Program offers the following benefits for producers, storage intermediaries and packers whose customers are requiring them to be CanadaGAP-compliant:
- Consistency of Audits: The audit is based specifically on the requirements of the CanadaGAP Manuals. There are no surprises or additional requirements. Auditors have to pass CHC-specific training before they do on-farm audits, ensuring they all start on the same footing and understand the realities of farming and field packing.
- Oversight of Auditor Performance: The auditors are monitored and overseen by QMI-SAI Global, who also review all audit results and ensure the integrity of the assessments. Any complaints or disputes related to the audits will be handled by QMI – SAI Global. Ongoing, regular review of auditor performance is required.
- Technical Support: The CHC Program offers participants access to email advice and the support of a 1-800 Help line to answer technical and implementation questions. The service is available in English or French. Participants will be given a password once they are successfully enrolled in the program.
- Choice: Three different certification options are available, to suit different situations and buyer demands.
- Option A: Four-year Audit Cycle. Year One has a scheduled full audit on-site, followed by three years of self-assessments with a random audit component.
- Option B: Group Certification
- Option C: Annual On-Site Audit to meet GFSI-benchmarked requirements or specific customer programs. More information on each of the options is available on the CHC website or from the CHC National Office.
- Stable Costs: When you enrol in the program, you sign up for the audit frequency and certification option that works for you and your customers, and you know the corresponding costs in advance. More information on CHC's Web site..
- Access to International Markets: The CHC is pursuing benchmarking of its program to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and GlobalGAP standards, in order to obtain recognition of equivalency with foreign customers who are requiring SQF 1000 and other internationally-recognized programs. Certified participants will have the benefit of using a made-in-Canada program to meet the food safety requirements of the international marketplace.
Benefits to Customers
- Consistency of audit results
- Objective, third party certification of suppliers
- ISO-accredited certifier (QMI – SAI Global)
- Certification body is arm’s length to both the standards owner (CHC) and the customer
- Auditors trained specifically on requirements of the CanadaGAP Program
- Trained professionals responsible for assessing supplier conformance to technical requirements
- Ongoing oversight of certification body and auditor performance by the standards owner (CHC) and international accreditation bodies
- Complaint and dispute management mechanisms
- Predictable and stable costs for suppliers.
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