GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share

Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can be reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available. To help growers receive reimbursements faster, they may choose to receive two separate payments: Part I (the SCDA portion of the audit) and Part II (the USDA portion), each reimbursed at 90%, or submit both parts together for one larger payment. Payment is issued 4–6 weeks following receipt of an accurately submitted application package.

South Carolina growers who have completed a GAP audit. Applicants must have a State of South Carolina vendor registration number and submit a complete application package including a copy of the paid receipt or other proof of payment for the reimbursement requested.

Reimbursement rate: 90% of your GAP audit costs. "Through funding from the USDA AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (#25SCBPSC1280), South Carolina growers can now get reimbursed for 90% of the costs associated with a GAP audit completed while funds are available." No dollar cap per grower is published — the reimbursement is a straight percentage of what you paid, available on a first-come basis while the grant funds last.

Two ways to be paid. A GAP audit generates two separate bills, and you may claim each as soon as you have paid it:

• Part I — the SCDA portion (SCDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Inspections). Amount paid to SCDA × 90%.

• Part II — the USDA portion (USDA AMS Specialty Crops Program). Amount paid to USDA × 90%.

• Or submit both parts together for one larger payment: (amount paid to SCDA + amount paid to USDA) × 90%.

Worked example from the application: "Smith Farm submits a paid receipt from SCDA Fruit & Vegetable Inspections for $575 with Part I of the application and receives a check for $517.50 approximately four weeks later. ($575 × 90%)"

Timing: "You can expect payment 4–6 weeks following the receipt of an accurately submitted application package."

What you must supply to get paid: a completed application, a State of South Carolina vendor registration number (free, via procurement.sc.gov), complete answers to the impact questionnaire, your agreement to provide follow-up information on the impact of GAP certification, and a copy of the paid receipt or other proof of payment — "[w]e will not send checks unless we have this."

Match: none beyond the 10% of audit cost you retain.

Submit the completed GAP Audit Reimbursement Cost Share Application with a state vendor registration number, answers to the questionnaire, and a copy of the paid receipt to SCDA Grants Administration, Attn: GAP Coordinator, 123 Ballard Court, West Columbia, SC 29172, or GAP@scda.sc.gov.