Certification according to GLOBALGAP

General information

GLOBALG.A.P. is a private non-profit organisation with the objective to set an universal standard for safe and sustainable agricultural production. The voluntary standard is recognized in almost each country and is highly valued on a worldwide scale by retailers and distributors.

GLOBALG.A.P. has gained in importance as a quality assurance system for agricultural products during the last years. Since 2004 the number of certified producers has risen by 94,000 producers up to 122,600 producers around the globe.

GLOBALGAP is a B2B standard, i.e. the logo must not be used at the point of sale. Exclusively the producer’s GLOBALG.A.P. number (GGN) may figure on the product label.

However, in order to exploit marketing opportunities in these growing high-value sectors, the GLOBALG.A.P. certificate is often a key criterion. Especially importers and traders of fresh fruits and vegetables ask for a certification according to GLOBALG.A.P. in addition to the organic certification.

Regarding aquaculture products, consumers have the possibility to start a public search on the website consumer portal for controlled Aquaculture | GlobalG.A.P. Introducing the GGN all interested consumers can request more product details.

GLOBALG.A.P. has accredited about 140 certification bodies in more than 100 countries, for more than 10 years BCS has been one of them.

Benefits

GLOBALG.A.P. is a worldwide harmonized scheme and widely recognized amongst retailers and foodservice buyers.  

GLOBALG.A.P. serves you as a practical manual for Good Agricultural Practice.

The lists of control points and compliance criteria are an efficient tool to provide producers with the defined details to obtain a GLOBALG.A.P. certification.

The implementation of GLOBALG.A:P. minimizes the exposure to food safety risks.

In many sectors a GLOBALG.A.P. certificate is considered as an entry ticket to get in the providerlists of supermarkets, retailers and large processors.

The Standard’s Structure

GLOBALG.A.P. is a standard with modular applications for different product groups. The standard covers all steps of the production process including produce handling.

Since 2011 there has also been the option to obtain a Chain of Custody certification which could i.e. be of special interest for companies which focus the trade with GLOBALG.A.P. certified products.

BCS certifies according the GLOBALG.A.P. criteria:

• Fruit & Vegetables

• Flowers & Ornamentals

• Combinable Crops (grain, corn etc)

• Tea

• Aquaculture (Finfish, Crustaceans, Molluscs)

• Chain of Custody certification for retailers, transporting and processing companies

As an additional module for certified producers and producer groups:

GRASP  (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice)
The GRASP Evaluation is only applicable in those countries which already provide a national interpretation guideline: Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Israel, Marocco, Kenia, South Africa, Pakistan, Vietnam, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Chile (updated February 2013)

Holistic Approach

No matter if Fruit & Vegetables, Aquaculture or Livestock, the holistic approach is always basic). The controlpoints cover the main aspects of food safety, traceability, environmental impacts of farming operations, workers welfare and animal welfare. GLOBALG.A.P. pursues the target of reducing the use of chemical inputs, of minimizing microbiological risks and of ensuring a responsible approach to worker health and safety as well as animal welfare.

For more detailed information regarding the regulations and compliance criteria of GLOBALG.A.P., please have a look at  Website GLOBALG.A.P.

Steps to Certification

• Get in touch with us. We discuss with you which modules apply for your company and how to prepare yourself for the first inspection

• Get familiar with the standard. All relevant documents are available for free download here.

• Determine a responsible person for the implementation of GLOBALG.A.P. in your company

• Realize a self-assessment of your company using the GLOBALG.A.P.-checklist.

• Arrange an appointment for the initial inspection.

In case of further requests regarding GLOBALG.A.P., kindly feel free to contact us, we will be pleased to support you.