The AusGAP Difference
About
AusGAP is an independent turf quality assurance business that operates under the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program (ITGAP) system and is the only authorised agent outside of the USA to be endorsed by the owned and governed by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association (GCIA). The program is a registered business and operates independently, under the business model that any turf producer is welcome to apply and gain AusGAP accreditation and certification.
Purpose
Key objectives are to ensure quality assurance, genetic purity and uniformity of turfgrasses via our operational system which supports turf producers nationally, with the expectation to improve growers' farm practices and quality of produced turf to ensure an exceptional product for the end user (homeowner, turfgrass professional etc). To achieve this, our Turf Certification Program has five main components:
- Business and farm regulatory compliance
- Environmental stewardship
- Keeping turfgrass varieties genetic purity intact, free of weeds, pests and diseases
- Maximise levels of customer satisfaction
- Staff welfare and safety
AusGAP ensures an exceptional product for the end user of turfgrass
Certification
Each grower has a stringent set of standards, procedures, and documents for specified turfgrass varieties. These require regular field inspections throughout the growing season to identify the stated variety, foreign turfgrass varieties, off-types or contaminants and weeds within the field. Only turf harvested from these fields which uphold these strict inspection standards can be officially identified and sold as certified, and must be supplied accompanied by an AusGAP Certified Certificate of Authenticity.
To maintain genetic purity and freedom from contaminants, the certified growers in our program adhere to rigid rules and procedures enforced by AusGAP representatives. AusGAP inspectors examine all certified production fields before planting to ensure no contaminating weeds or other turfgrass varieties are present. Once a prospective production field has passed inspection, they are planted with material from a foundation farm. All planting material can then be traced and documented to foundation production plots.
Key documents
Business Certification Standards
Certificate of Authenticity
Should be attached/included with the shipper's (turf producer/supplier) invoice and include both the producer and variety name.
Turf Certification Standards
A set of guidelines that govern the grower’s turf practices ensuring that they adhere to these standards and remain compliant.
How can we help?
Find a Turf Variety
The AusGAP Turf Selection Tool will assist you select the correct turf variety to ensure it has the best chance of thriving in the particular environment in which it is laid.
Find a Turf Supplier
All of the AusGAP certified growers across Australia have an extensive knowledge of turf types and can advise on the best option for you if the choice is not clear.
Get Turf Advice
Get the lowdown on site preparation and maintenance, and you can even send the details of your project to us and our team will provide free expertise and advice to assist you.
Turf Usage
Whether your project requires turf for parklands, sportsgrounds, public works, commercial or domestic spaces, AusGAP certified turf ensures that the whole production, delivery and installation process is undertaken to the highest industry standards, reducing risk and improving project outcomes.
Member Login
AusGAP’s members are certified turf suppliers across Australia. Members can log in and access Member Forms, News and Resources.