AusGAP

AusGAP – (Australian Genetic Assured Purity) Introduction Turf Accreditation Program An Australian turf accreditation program that has been created for the country’s leading turfgrass producers to provide consumers with assurance that their turf adheres to a stringent set of quality standards. The AusGAP certification system not only ensures the genetic purity of a turf-grass variety where appropriate; it provides assurance that the entire production, delivery and installation process is undertaken to the highest industry standards. AusGAP incorporates the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP), a quality assurance program used throughout the world. AusGAP Certification Standards Under the AusGAP program, the turfgrass producer (grower) is responsible for the genetic purity of the AusGAP certified grasses sold in a wholesale, commercial or retail capacity. The grower must meet minimum standards as directed by AusGAP covering the entire production, sales and delivery process. AusGAP stipulates that to achieve certification, all stock will pass a pre- harvest test to be visually free of disease, weeds and pest damage and be true-to-turf-type and free of any other foreign varieties at the time of harvest. All new on-farm turf-crop planting-stock is to be pre-approved by AusGAP to assure satisfactory varietal identity and purity which is to be maintained throughout the production process. Satisfactory compliance with the AusGAP program will allow the grower to be awarded twelve-monthly renewable AusGAP certification. There are four main components of AusGAP that allow for the highest standards in turf production to be achieved by encompassing all facets of turf grower operations; • business and regulatory compliances, • environmental stewardship, • staff welfare and safety and • maximum levels of customer satisfaction.