Most packers and retailers require growers to have an on-farm food safety program in place. Previously, BCTF had a group certification that covered their growers. Now, you will need to get your own certification.
The BCFGA is here to help. We have launched a Food Safety Bridging Program with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to help growers obtain the certification needed.
Please watch the video tutorial to learn how to use the program and get audit-ready. The presentation has also been translated to Punjabi – view the PDF here. Please let us know if you notice any errors in the translation – we haven’t had a chance to get it reviewed by a third party.
Enrollment forms should be scanned or emailed to info@canadagap.ca or faxed to 613-829-9379. Mailing in enrollment forms will delay the process this year.
A copy of your enrollment form must also be provided to the BCFGA if you want to access the program this year.
CanadaGAP will allow growers to defer their payment of the CanadaGAP fee until January, but growers will need to pay audit costs. By participating in the Food Safety Bridging Program, you may be able to reduce the cost of your audit as BCFGA and CanadaGAP will aim to coordinate multiple audits per auditor visit.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email fruit@bcfga.com or call our office.