Before the certification process begins, a pre-assessment might be conducted to check if the farm or operation meets the necessary criteria. This can be done internally or with the help of a consultant.
Training
The farm or organization should undergo training on the GlobalG.A.P. standards to ensure the staff is familiar with the requirements and expectations. This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, or online courses.
Gap Analysis
A gap analysis helps identify areas where the farm or organization does not meet the GlobalG.A.P. standards. This step is crucial to ensuring readiness for the certification audit.
Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices
The farm should implement all required good agricultural practices and maintain proper documentation to ensure compliance with GlobalG.A.P. standards. This includes aspects like pesticide usage, water management, employee health and safety, and traceability.
Internal Audit
Before the official certification audit, an internal audit should be conducted to check the compliance with the standards. Any non-compliance should be addressed during this stage.
Certification Audit
An external auditor or certifying body will perform the audit on-site to assess the farm's compliance with the GlobalG.A.P. standards. The audit will cover all relevant areas, including crop production, food safety, traceability, and environmental impact.
Certification Decision
Based on the audit, a decision will be made whether to grant certification. If successful, the farm or organization will be awarded GlobalG.A.P. certification.
Annual Re-Audit
GlobalG.A.P. certification is valid for one year. To maintain certification, an annual re-audit is required to ensure continued compliance with the standards.
Benefits of GlobalG.A.P Certification
Market Access: Certification increases access to international markets, especially in the European Union, where retailers prefer suppliers with GlobalG.A.P. certification.
Improved Product Quality: By adhering to global standards for agricultural practices, GlobalG.A.P. certified farms often see improvements in product quality, food safety, and consistency.
Enhanced Reputation: Achieving GlobalG.A.P. certification enhances the farm’s reputation, signaling to consumers and business partners that the farm is committed to high-quality, sustainable, and safe practices.
Sustainability: Certification promotes sustainable farming practices, reducing environmental impact and promoting better resource management, such as water conservation, soil health, and biodiversity protection.
Compliance with Regulations: GlobalG.A.P. certification ensures that farms comply with various national and international agricultural regulations, minimizing the risk of legal penalties and improving safety standards.
Increased Efficiency: The implementation of best practices through the GlobalG.A.P. standards can improve operational efficiency by reducing waste, improving yield, and optimizing resources.
Consumer Confidence: Consumers have greater confidence in purchasing products from certified farms, knowing that the products have been produced in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Better Relationships with Retailers: GlobalG.A.P. certification is often a requirement for suppliers seeking to establish long-term relationships with major retailers, enhancing opportunities for business growth.
Traceability: Certification includes traceability requirements, allowing farms to track and trace the entire production process from farm to table, which helps in the event of recalls or quality control issues.
