GlobalG.A.P. V6 FAQ’s - NSF GLOBALG.A.P. IFA V6 Online Training

GlobalG.A.P. V6 Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled several FAQs to guide you through the GLOBALG.A.P. system and online training.

Question 1. What are the benefits of being GLOBALG.A.P. certified?

The majority of retailers in today’s markets require certain standards that ensure safe and sustainable agriculture. GLOBALG.A.P. certification is highly regarded for demonstrating on-farm food safety and sustainability. By complying with GLOBALG.A.P. standards, producers can sell their products both locally and globally. GLOBALG.A.P. certification thus offers producers a ticket to the global market. The GLOBALG.A.P. main standard, Integrated Farm Assurance, is available for three scopes of production: crops (editable as well as flowers and ornamentals), livestock, and aquaculture.

5 Advantages of GLOBALG.A.P. Certification

Add value to your products by complying with globally recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
Gain access to new local and global customers, markets, suppliers, and retailers.
Reduce your exposure to food safety and product safety reputation risks.
Improve the efficiency of your farm processes and management.
Receive a GLOBALG.A.P. Number (GGN) for easy identification and traceability on a B2B level.

Watch our introductory video here.

Question 2. As a producer, where can I find relevant information?

If you are a producer, please go to www.globalgap.org/forproducers to find out more about all our scopes, options (such as individual producer or producer group), and add-ons (customized certification solutions).

Here is a video that explains producer group certification (Option 2).

Question 3. Where can I download GLOBALG.A.P.’s electronic resources, regulations, and checklists?

All public documents can be found in our document center.

Photos and videos from past events are available in our media center.

G.A.P. in Action posters can be found and downloaded at www.gapinaction.org.

Question 4. Where can I find information on Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard version 5.2?

Please navigate to www.globalgap.org/faqv5.2 for the FAQ on this topic.

Question 5. How does the GLOBALG.A.P. Standard address sustainability at farm level?

The IFA standard addresses environmental sustainability elements that are assessed by a technical auditor who also assesses the food safety elements. These elements include the development of a waste and pollution action plan, evaluating the impact of the farming activities on the environment, responsible use of water, and generally being mindful of unproductive sites and efficient energy use.

See here how the IFA standard helps producers under GLOBALG.A.P. IFA certification meet some of the targets set in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Question 6. How does the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard for Aquaculture address sustainability at farm level?

The IFA standard for Aquaculture covers the four pillars established by the FAO Technical Guidelines on Aquaculture Certification (i.e., food safety, environment, workers, animal welfare), including the entire production chain (i.e., hatchery, farm, feed, traceability after harvest). All resources needed to obtain safe farmed seafood are to be used sustainably, and the standard sets out guidelines accordingly.

Question 7. How does the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard for Livestock address sustainability at farm level?

The IFA standard for Livestock covers the five principles of sustainability established by the FAO: improving efficiency in the use of resources; taking action to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources; protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equity, and social well-being; enhancing the resilience of people, communities, and ecosystems; and implementing responsible and effective management mechanisms. All resources needed to rear animals safely must be capable of being sustained, and the standard sets out guidelines accordingly.

Question 8. What does GLOBALG.A.P. itself do in the interest of sustainability?

Nearly all booths at trade fairs are built with sustainable material.
We aim to be completely paper-free – which means not printing any promotional material – in the near future. We are already in the process of reducing printed mterial.
Since 2017, we have offset the CO₂ of all staff business trips.

Question 9. What exactly is the Produce Safety Assurance Standard?

The Produce Safety Assurance Standard covers the food safety and traceability elements of the Integrated Farm Assurance standard for Fruit and Vegetables v5.2. It is a subset of the Integrated Farm Assurance standard, comprising those points that were presented to the Global Food Safety Initiative for recognition of the Integrated Farm Assurance standard for Fruit and Vegetables.

Question 10. What is localg.a.p.?

localg.a.p. is one of the brands forming part of the GLOBALG.A.P. family of products. It includes the Primary Farm Assurance (PFA) standards, which are not part of certification but follows an assessment approach. The concept of localg.a.p. is capacity building. It has been developed for local implementation and if required, to prepare producers for certification, especially those who cannot immediately get certified.