GLOBALG.A.P.
Integrated Farm Management Standard
QLC’s GLOBAL G.A.P. certification consultants answer your questions
GLOBAL G.A.P. (Global Good Agricultural Practice) is an internationally recognized standard specifying requirements for good agricultural practices, focusing on food safety, environmental sustainability, and worker welfare in the agri-food sector.
It was developed to help producers, agricultural cooperatives, and suppliers comply with the stringent demands of retailers and consumers for quality and responsibly sourced agricultural products. GLOBAL G.A.P. certification is one of the main frameworks ensuring legality, safety, and sustainability in the production of primary products.
GLOBAL G.A.P. is intended for agricultural businesses, producers of primary products, agricultural cooperatives, and aquaculture operations involved in the production and sale of fresh fruits, vegetables, livestock products, and aquaculture products.
Implementing GLOBAL G.A.P. involves assessing agricultural practices and crop or livestock management to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements. Main steps include:
- Assessing production processes based on standard principles
- Developing and documenting procedures for food safety, management of water and natural resources, pesticide and fertilizer usage, and worker welfare
- Implementing the standard’s requirements and training staff
- Conducting internal audits and preparing for external inspection
- Undergoing evaluation by an independent accredited certification body, leading to certificate issuance
The standard is audited annually to ensure continuous compliance.
Implementation difficulty depends on the company’s size, type of production, and process organization level. Businesses already using quality management and traceability systems (e.g., ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC, IFS) find it easier to comply with GLOBAL G.A.P. However, producers without prior experience with management standards may need training, technical support, and adjustments to their agricultural practices.
GLOBAL G.A.P. certification is offered by accredited certification bodies that evaluate a company’s compliance with the standard’s requirements. The process starts with an application, including selection of the appropriate certificate type (individual producer or producer group). The company then implements a management and traceability system in accordance with GLOBAL G.A.P. specifications, ensuring production meets standard requirements. Next, an audit is conducted by an accredited body, examining process implementation and adherence to standards.
When all requirements are met, the GLOBAL G.A.P. certificate is issued, valid for one year. Annual audits are required to maintain certification and confirm ongoing compliance.
GLOBAL G.A.P. certification provides producers and food businesses with numerous advantages:
- Food safety and product quality, ensuring controlled and responsible production processes
- Easier market access, as many retailers require suppliers to be GLOBAL G.A.P.-certified
- Improved agricultural practices by introducing processes that reduce pesticide use and protect the environment
- Competitive advantage, with opportunities to work with international buyers seeking certified producers
- Reduced risks and legal compliance, safeguarding the business from food safety or environmental issues
The timeline depends on the operation’s size, current compliance level, and required modifications.
Producers already applying similar management systems can complete the process in 2-3 months. Those needing significant improvements to their practices might require longer, typically 4-6 months.