ND potato inspectors have been trained by the USDA to carry out inspections for Good Handling Practices and Good Agricultural Practices (GHP/GAP) farm operation audits. These inspections are different from the traditional inspections in that they actually are audits, checking on procedures and processes, rather than the product.

As food safety receives more attention, GHP/GAP inspections have become much more frequent at farms producing potatoes for processing. Process based audits have become more common in the food industry, as consumer concern regarding the manner in which food is grown and processed expands.

GHP/GAP audits have been performed in North Dakota since the summer of 2007, on commercial potato farms that deliver products to processors based in state. More information on USDA GHP/GAP audits, and the North Dakota growers and processors involved can be found on the USDA Food Quality Assurance Website.