Unlock GLOBALG.A.P. Opportunities

What is GLOBALG.A.P.?

GLOBALG.A.P. is an organization that sets voluntary global standards and develops an independent certification system for food and worker safety, sustainability, and other Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). It requires producers to establish a complete control and monitoring system to ensure the certified product is safe before the seed is planted until it leaves the farm.

Background

GLOBALG.A.P. was created in 1997 as EurepGAP, a common standard for farm management practice that aims to find solutions to growing concerns of consumers on product safety, health and welfare of workers, and product environmental impact. It was developed using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines and is governed according to the ISO/IEC 17065 for product certification schemes.

EurepGAP changed its name to GLOBALG.A.P. in September 2007 to reflect its expansion from the European region to a more global scale in establishing the leading international GAP standards between multiple retailers and suppliers.

The GLOBALG.A.P. standard sets an international benchmark that integrates concepts, definitions, and guidelines of other existing standards to serve as a global reference that can be applied by all parties primarily involved in the food sector.

Benefits

GLOBALG.A.P. certification empowers producers to demonstrate excellence in food safety, sustainability, and ethical farming. It serves as a globally recognized mark of quality that enhances credibility, market access, and consumer confidence. Here are its benefits:

• Access to global markets and retailers - GLOBALG.A.P. certification opens doors to international markets, enabling producers to meet buyer and retailer requirements worldwide. It builds trust with global customers seeking safe, responsibly sourced food products.

• Sustainable and responsible farming practices - Certified producers follow environmentally responsible methods that protect natural resources and biodiversity. GLOBALG.A.P. promotes long-term sustainability, reducing waste and enhancing soil, water, and energy management.

• Improved food safety and brand reputation - GLOBALG.A.P. certification minimizes the risk of contamination and food safety issues. This proactive approach safeguards brand reputation and ensures compliance with international food safety standards.

• Enhanced operational efficiency and farm management - Through structured procedures and regular audits, farms can optimize production processes and resource use. This results in cost savings, higher yields, and more consistent quality across operations.

• Commitment to farmer, animal, and environmental welfare - GLOBALG.A.P. emphasizes fair working conditions, animal health, and environmental stewardship. Certified farms demonstrate accountability and ethical responsibility across the entire agricultural supply chain.

GLOBALG.A.P. Certification Process

GLOBALG.A.P. covers a variety of farm production standards, encompassed in the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) that covers GAP for agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and horticulture production. It involves all stages of production, from pre-harvest activities to post-harvest production, including handling, packing, and storing. The registered certification bodies are authorized to issue certificates on behalf of GLOBALG.A.P.

Food producers can prepare for GLOBALG.A.P. certification by engaging with consultants to seek advice or assess internally before getting third-party help. The following steps can help interested parties get GLOBALG.A.P. certification:

• Understand the scope - Food producers must grasp the scope of GLOBALG.A.P. standards to prepare for certification. Learn the requirements and analyze the processes to determine how they fit with their existing methods.

• Carry out self-assessment -  Conduct an internal audit to identify gaps in current processes and discover areas for improvement. Make an essential adjustment to those identified nonconformances and implement corrective action. Change the existing system if necessary and ensure compliance with all the critical points and criteria of the standard.

• Set an appointment with GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body - A registered auditor will conduct the first on-site GLOBALG.A.P. audit to inspect the agricultural land. They will assess the overall process if it complies with the GLOBALG.A.P. standards.

• Receive GLOBALG.A.P. certificate - A GLOBALG.A.P. certificate that is valid for a year will be given as proof of successful completion of the GLOBALG.A.P. audit and that the farm complies with the GLOBALG.A.P. requirements, and its relevant versions and scope.