For Option B, C and D (GFSI-recognized):
Scheduling of the initial audit and subsequent audits must be managed by the Certification Body to ensure coverage of the full scope (all commodities) over a period of 3 to 4 years. In addition, GFSI-recognized operations have some additional considerations:
- For a multi-commodity operation whose scope includes both “Production and Packing” – both scopes need to be observed annually. Therefore, more than one audit may be required in a given year, to ensure the auditor can observe activities related to both scopes. It is acceptable for the auditor to see harvesting of one commodity, and packing of another.
For Options A1, A2, E and F (not GFSI-recognized):
Scheduling of the initial audit and subsequent audits must be managed by the Certification Body to ensure coverage of the full scope (all commodities) over a period of 3 to 4 years. Multi-commodity operations may find, depending on crops involved, as that a number of audits over several years are required before certification reflects their full scope.
For more detailed guidance on audit timing, see the CanadaGAP Program Management Manual. To access the Management Manual click here.