A GLOBALG.A.P. audit doesn't need to be stressful. Most non-conformances occur because records are missing or outdated, procedures aren't being followed consistently, or evidence isn't readily available on audit day. Preparation throughout the season can make a big difference.

Before the Audit:

• Complete Pre-Audit Assessments against the current checklists and record names and/or storage location of applicable documentation.
• Complete your physical site checks (e.g. production areas, structures, facilities) against the checklist requirements.
• Determine availability of other employees that may need to be present during the audit.
• Organise your records, there may be some that can be archived (e.g. no longer required but still need to be retained for a specific period).
• Check non- conformances from your last audit and make sure your corrective actions are being implemented.

GLOBALG.A.P. Top 10 NCs:

• Mass Balance documents not prepared on audit day for all crops.
• Bilateral agreement is not available for all buyers or does not indicate all shipments will contain only products originating from certified production processes.
• Staff hand-washing facilities do not include non-perfume soap, a means of drying their hands, or a “wash your hands” sign.
• First-aid kits have expired items or absence of trained first aider.
• Water analysis not completed e.g. for irrigation, spray water, packhouse, drinking water or handwashing water.
• MRL residue analysis results not available for all crops.
• Annual calibration records of sprayers, weed sprayer, scales, measuring equipment not available.
• Missing signage, items missing or stored incorrectly in chemical store, inventory not updated monthly.
• Records of disposal of agrichemical containers are not available.
• Mock traceability exercise has not been done within the last 12 months.

GRASP Top 5 NCs:

• GRASP annual self-assessment not completed.
• Evidence that worker eligibility was checked are not available (ie. copy of Visas not available).
• Requested records (timesheet, payslips, employment agreements) are not available during the audit.
• Employee representation/Liaison is not clear and recorded, or employee representative has not been instructed of its role and duties.
• Evidence of contractor compliance by internal or external assessment not available.

Remember: An audit requires evidence to support compliance outcomes.

Documentation can also be in the form of photos, videos or other ways of recording evidence.