The future of tobacco starts with you.
Establishing a higher standard across the industry requires accountability and collaboration at every step of the way.
EVERY DECISION MATTERS.
Recognizing the demand for a comprehensive, and transparent tool to verify compliance with best practice implementation, GAPC developed the certification program with extensive input from its member companies, member-growers, and third-party experts. GAPC’s certification program will increase transparency and foster an environment that promotes sustainability, profitability, fairness, and competition.
Get Started with GAP Connections
Reaching a higher standard begins with your choice to become a GAPC Grower Member and learn about good agricultural practices. From there, you can choose to become a GAPC Certified Grower Member and make a commitment to implement GAPC Tobacco Certification Standards.
The 2024 GAPC Tobacco Certification Compliance Guide contains a detailed listing of GAP Connections (GAPC) Certification Standards, Certification questions, verification methods used during monitoring activities to verify responses to questions, and remediation processes if necessary.
Step 1: Apply and Agree to Terms and Conditions
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Applications must be completed each year. A grower may apply online by logging into their Grower Dashboard or request a paper Application by calling or emailing GAPC.
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Growers will choose their Monitoring Firm at the time of application. Review the 2024 Approved Monitoring Firm Information for options.
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If you operate your operation with more than one grower and want to list Associate Growers on your application, everyone must meet ALL Associated Grower Criteria.
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Associated Growers must accept Terms and Conditions after the Application is approved by logging in to their Grower Dashboard.
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If you work with a consultant, please complete the Consultant Authorization at the time of application to allow them access to your grower reports and information within GAPC. If you are interested in learning more about or working with a consultant, review the GAPC Consultant Partners list.
Step 2: Prepare for Monitoring Visit
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Review the 2024 GAPC Tobacco Certification Compliance Guide for requirements and questions for U.S. and International Certification.
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Complete your self-assessment via the Grower Dashboard.
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Annual Training must be completed for each grower listed on the application (Primary and Associates) by June 30.
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Review the details on Tobacco Certification Monitoring Visits.
- Review the 2024 Tobacco Certification Checklist found in the 2024 Tobacco Certification Compliance Guide.
Step 3: Complete Monitoring Visit & Remediation (if needed)
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At the end of the Monitoring Visit, the auditor should review the results with you and let you know if there is any remediation needed.
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Within 72 hours of the Monitoring Visit, the report should be submitted to GAPC and be sent to you via your selected preferred method of communication (mail or email). If you selected email as your preferred method of communication and have not received your report within 72 hours contact your monitoring firm.
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Review the results and begin any remediation that is needed. Remediation processes can be found in the Tobacco Certification Remediation Guide.
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If remediation requires a Corrective Action Plan use the GAPC template (Word or PDF).
Step 4: GAPC Certified Grower
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After the final report (remediation is completed if needed) is submitted to GAPC, GAPC will review the report and issue GAPC Certificate Certificates if the criteria are met.
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Certificates are sent to Certified Growers via the preferred method of communication selected by the grower at the time of application.
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All denials are reviewed by a Committee before issuance. Growers who are denied will be notified via the preferred method of communication selected by the grower at the time of application.
- If a grower does not agree with the Certification findings or decision, GAPC offers an appeals process. The GAPC Appeals Process requires a grower to write a formal letter to GAP Connections identifying their complaint/appeal within 30 days from the date GAPC issues notice of Certification or denial of Certification.
