What is GlobalGAP (good agricultural practices)?

What is GLOBALGAP?

GLOBALGAP (Formerly EurepGAP) is an initiative of a number of European supermarket chains (including Tesco, Delhaize, Albert Heijn, Laurus and Schuitema). They have established basic guidelines for “Good Agricultural Production” (GAP) of fresh fruits and vegetables. These are known as the GLOBALGAP guidelines.

The Standard GlobalGAP

These European supermarkets impose the GLOBALGAP protocol as a basic standard with the goal of maintaining consumer confidence regarding food safety. The standard provides a unification of regulations regarding the cultivation of products. After implementation, a grower has a system to demonstrate that the product was produced in a responsible manner. In addition to food safety, this international production standard for cultivation pays attention to:

• Minimizing environmental pollution;
• Reducing the use of plant protection products;
• More efficient use of natural resources;
• Good management of staff health, welfare and safety;
• Preservation and enhancement of flora and fauna in the environment.

Fertilizers and crop protection.

This is partly achieved through the registration of used fertilizers and crop protection products. The origin and production method of the products can be traced more quickly through these registrations.

Average duration of the process

Obtaining GLOBALGAP certification normally takes two to four months, depending on the commitment of the grower concerned.

From EurepGAP to GLOBALGAP

In September 2007 the name EurepGAP was changed to GLOBALGAP . This was decided in order to propagate the ever-increasing international role of “Good Agricultural Production” between retailers and their suppliers. However, the name EurepGAP is still widely used worldwide.

Products

As a result, they have three primary products: GLOBALGAP; GLOBALGAP+ Add-on; and localgap;

There are over 40 standards and programs offered by GLOBALG.A.P. Members of localg.a.p. and GLOBALGAP+ Add-on have the ability to design custom solutions for crops, livestock and aquaculture.

The GLOBALG.A.P. System.

Its foundation is strong enough to inspire trust and integrity, but flexible enough to drive innovation and excellence in more than 135 countries, with more than 700 approved commodities and even more than 200,000 certified producing companies

Certifications are issued by a network of more than 2,000 certified inspectors and auditors working for more than 159 recognized certifying organizations.

These certifying organizations are monitored by a groundbreaking integrity framework that includes independent evaluations. Our clients can verify manufacturers and confirm certifications using their secure online certification database.

They offer a global network of certified instructors who can help manufacturers complete their certification. Training is offered in five languages to tens of thousands of people on five continents. They also have an international benchmarking program for schemes and standards.