GLOBALG.A.P
Global Good Agricultural Practice
What is GLOBALG.A.P.?
GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized certification program aimed at promoting good agricultural practices (G.A.P.) across various sectors of the agricultural industry. It is designed to ensure the safety, sustainability, and quality of agricultural products from the farm level to the consumer, covering aspects such as food safety, environmental protection, worker welfare, and animal welfare.
Key Aspects of GLOBALG.A.P.
Here’s a breakdown of what GLOBALG.A.P. entails and its significance in the agricultural industry:
1. Food Safety
GLOBALG.A.P. sets stringent guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of food products. These guidelines help minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination throughout the production process. The certification ensures compliance with food safety regulations and standards that are recognized globally.
2. Environmental Protection
Environmental sustainability is a core component of GLOBALG.A.P. standards. The program encourages agricultural practices that:
- Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Promote soil health and fertility.
- Conserve water resources and ensure efficient use.
- Support biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
3. Worker Welfare
GLOBALG.A.P. emphasizes fair treatment, safe working conditions, and proper training for farm workers. The certification process assesses labor practices to ensure that workers are treated ethically and provided with a safe working environment. This aspect of the certification addresses social responsibility and ethical sourcing concerns in agriculture.
4. Animal Welfare
For sectors involving livestock and aquaculture, GLOBALG.A.P. sets standards for the humane treatment of animals. This includes proper housing, feeding, and veterinary care to ensure the well-being of animals throughout their lifecycle. It addresses ethical concerns related to animal farming and promotes responsible practices.
5. Traceability
One of the critical features of GLOBALG.A.P. is its focus on traceability throughout the supply chain. By implementing traceability systems, producers can track their products from farm to fork, enhancing transparency and accountability. This traceability is vital for identifying and managing risks associated with food safety.
Benefits of GLOBALG.A.P Certification
Increased Market Opportunities
GLOBALG.A.P. certification is recognized by major retailers and distributors worldwide. This recognition opens doors to new markets and increases opportunities for exporting agricultural products.
Assurance of Quality and Safety
The certification provides assurance to consumers that the products they purchase meet high standards of safety, quality, and sustainability. This builds consumer confidence in the products and the brand.
Minimizing Food Safety Risks
The certification process involves rigorous audits and assessments that help identify potential food safety risks, allowing producers to take preventive measures.
Sustainable Farming Practices
GLOBALG.A.P. promotes sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources, reduce chemical usage, and protect biodiversity.
Improved Labor Practices
The certification emphasizes fair treatment, safe working conditions, and proper training for farm workers, ensuring ethical labor practices.
Product Traceability
GLOBALG.A.P. certification ensures traceability throughout the supply chain, allowing producers to track their products from farm to fork. This transparency is crucial for managing food safety risks and responding to recalls if necessary.
Who can apply for GLOBALG.A.P Certification?
Farmers
Both small and large-scale farmers can apply for certification, ensuring their farming practices meet global standards for safety, quality, and sustainability.
Horticulturists
Those involved in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamentals can apply for certification to ensure their practices align with GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
Aquaculture Producers
Fish farms and aquaculture operations can seek certification to demonstrate compliance with sustainable and responsible farming practices for seafood.
Producer Groups and Cooperatives
Producer groups and cooperatives, where multiple farms or producers operate under a single organizational structure, can apply for GLOBALG.A.P. certification.
Grower Associations
Associations representing groups of growers or farmers in specific regions or sectors can apply for GLOBALG.A.P. certification on behalf of their members.
Livestock and Poultry Producers
Producers involved in raising livestock and poultry can apply for GLOBALG.A.P. certification to ensure their practices meet global standards for animal welfare, food safety, and sustainability.
Processors and Packers
While primarily focused on primary production, GLOBALG.A.P. certification can extend to processors and packers involved in post-harvest handling, processing, and packaging of agricultural products. This inclusion helps ensure traceability and compliance throughout the supply chain.
Retailers and Supermarkets
Retailers and supermarkets that wish to demonstrate commitment to quality and sustainability in their supply chain can apply for GLOBALG.A.P. certification. This ensures that their sourcing practices align with global standards.
Documents Required for GLOBALG.A.P Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of GLOBALG.A.P Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to Bonsucro requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- GLOBALG.A.P Certification Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying non conformities related to GLOBALG.A.P Certification requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
- GLOBALG.A.P certificates issue for 1 Years
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
Who can issue the GLOBALG.A.P Certification?
FAQ
GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized certification standard that ensures good agricultural practices (G.A.P.) across the supply chain. It focuses on food safety, environmental sustainability, worker welfare, and animal welfare in agriculture.
GLOBALG.A.P. stands for Global Good Agricultural Practices. It was formerly known as EUREPGAP before becoming a globally recognized standard.
GLOBALG.A.P. certification is typically valid for one year. Certified producers must undergo annual audits to maintain their certification status and ensure continued compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards.