Section 5: General Farm Standards Assessment Tool

This form is for use in conjunction with Section 5 General Farm Standards, AHPA Good agricultural collection practices and good manufacturing practices for botanical materials. Supporting information for specific elements can be attached to this form.

Operations that grow and/or harvest crops are defined under U.S. regulations as “farms,” at least if the crop is a food crop. This includes wild collection operations. Farmers and wild collectors of fresh produce such as lettuce or blueberries are usually (depending on certain exemptions) subject to specific agricultural practice requirements established in 21 CFR Part 112. Irrespective of whether Part 112 applies to the farm, this section outlines recommended practices to ensure the quality and freedom from contamination of the crops produced.

Farms (including wild collectors) that grow and/or harvest “covered produce” are required to comply with 21 CFR Part 112, unless the farm qualifies for one of the exemptions in Part 112. In general terms, “covered produce” refers to food that is:

1. A fruit (e.g., apples, bananas, blueberries, etc.).
2. A vegetable that is not always cooked prior to consumption (e.g., kale, mushrooms, radishes, etc.).
3. A culinary herb (e.g., mint, oregano, cilantro, etc.).
4. Other herbaceous plants from which parts other than the fruit are harvested for food use.
5. Sprouts, mushrooms, and nuts.

The guidelines in this section are intended to apply to farms (including wild collectors) that are not subject to Part 112. These guidelines are less strict and less extensive than those required in Part 112.

Download General Farm Standards Assessment Tools

• General Farm Standards Assessment Tool
• GACP-GMP Guidance Section 5: General Farm Standards