CanadaGAP Program Changes for 2021 and Release of Version 9.0 of the Program Management Manual

Version 9.0 of the CanadaGAP Program Management Manual has been published for the 2021 season, effective April 1^st. Component 3, which describes in detail how the certification program operates, is now available on the CanadaGAP’s “Management System Manual” page.

The Management Manual (Component 3) is also accessible from the new “Corrective Actions” webpage under the ‘Tools’ menu.

Reminder of Significant Program Changes for 2021
The CanadaGAP Program Management Manual contains further details about the significant change in 2021 to the audit passing score for CanadaGAP program participants who are certified to a GFSI-recognized option. These certification options include:

• Option B (Group Certification)
• Option C (Annual Audit)
• Option D for Repacking and Wholesaling

Starting April 1^st, those requiring GFSI-recognized certificates must comply 100% with the audit checklist requirements. During the audit if full points have not been awarded for a requirement, corrective actions will need to be taken before certification can be granted. For more information, please refer to:

• CanadaGAP communique dated February 25, 2021
• PowerPoint presentation on CanadaGAP website: “CanadaGAP Program Changes for 2021”
• “Corrective Actions” page on the CanadaGAP website.

Corrective Actions Report for 2021

Please note that the CanadaGAP Corrective Actions Report has been updated to Version 9.0 for 2021. A copy can be accessed from a new “Corrective Actions” page on the CanadaGAP website.

This new webpage also links to the CanadaGAP Technical Procedure (TP-02-CA) on Corrective Actions Follow-up.

Other Changes for 2021 – Option A3 Group Certification

CanadaGAP will no longer be offering Option A3 certification effective April 1, 2021. Option A3 is a group certification that is not GFSI-recognized. This option has had very little uptake over the last ten years. CanadaGAP certificates currently issued to Option A3 groups will retain their validity until the certificate expiry date, unless the groups are otherwise advised by their certification body.

If you have any questions, visit our website or contact the CanadaGAP office by calling 613-829-4711 or emailing info@canadagap.ca.