Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement
OPMA is a food safety GAP certification for Ohio farmers that recognizes the issues and unique nature of Ohio growers, farmers and ranchers. OPMA provides a number of audits and inspection schemes to suit the style of Ohio farming activities.
OPGMA established the Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement (OPMA) in 2009 to formally address the increasing fears about biological contamination in our fresh food products.
OPMA is a state-wide voluntary program that provides a framework for food safety strategies on your farm and inspections for those farms that require it. It is officially approved by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
OPMA is governed by a separate board of directors and is currently affiliated with OPMGA through management services only.
What is OPMA? What does it do for you?
- It is a regulatory third-party certification that fits your farm with standards that make sense and can be implemented by anyone.
- The program is a three-tier system that lets you pick your place in Ohio agriculture, whether you are servicing a farmers market, auction, organic farmer, small roadside grower, co-op, or selling to a market chain or nationwide broker.
- It is governed by farmers with an advisory board of your peers who understand how to farm and have the same problems, concerns, and issues that you face every day.
- The inspection program is designed and conducted by experienced and educated individuals from Ohio who understand your farm.
- Participation is very affordable – there’s no need for high priced third party audit fees.
While developed for agriculture in Ohio, anyone nation-wide can become a member and utilize the benefits of the certification. The standards, processes and inspection system are universally applicable and are compliant with International Standards Organization 10765 (ISO 10765).
The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act may change standards or information posted on OPMA web sites. It is strongly recommended to check these sites often for updates to certification requirements, standards, or procedures.
