Top 5 Mistakes Farmers Make During Agricultural Audits (And How to Avoid Them)
Farm audits are critical for gaining certifications, accessing new markets, and building trust with partners. Yet, many farmers unknowingly make mistakes that lead to failed audits, lost opportunities, or delayed compliance. In this post, we highlight the top five audit mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Disorganized Records
Failing to keep proper records of pesticide use, soil treatments, water sources, or worker training logs is one of the most common causes of audit failure. Keep detailed, well-organized documentation to demonstrate compliance at every level.
2. Ignoring Minor Non-Conformities
Small issues like unlabeled containers, missing PPE (personal protective equipment), or poor hygiene facilities are often overlooked but can lead to audit deductions. Conduct regular internal checks and fix even minor flaws before your audit.
3. Poor Staff Training
Your audit success depends not just on the documents, but on how well your workers understand protocols. Regular training and documented sessions ensure everyone on the farm knows their role and safety practices.
4. Not Doing a Pre-Audit
Jumping into a full certification audit without a pre-audit is risky. You may be caught off guard. Always do a pre-audit to identify blind spots and fix compliance gaps early.
5. Failure to Update Records or SOPs
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and documentation should evolve with your farm practices. Review and update them regularly to avoid using outdated processes or non-compliant formats.
🚜 Don’t Risk It — Get Audit Ready
Want to make sure your farm passes audits the first time?