Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

Overview

What is GAP?

Good Agricultural Practices, or GAP, is a set of principles, regulations, and technical recommendations applied to on-farm production and post-production processes. It’s a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of food products, while also considering the well-being of farm workers and the environment. Essentially, GAP is a commitment to producing food that is not only safe to eat but is also grown with care for both people and the planet.

GAP emerged in the 2000s as a response to the growing complexity of the global food supply chain. In the late 20^th century, the management of food safety became a critical concern, demanding greater accountability and transparency from producers. By standardizing the entire food production process, from the farm to the table, GAP helps to minimize the risks associated with foodborne illnesses, pesticide residues, and microbial contamination. While the implementation of GAP is voluntary, it is an essential measure that builds trust and ensures consumer safety.

GAP principles concerns every stage of the agricultural process, which can be categorized into this 4 key aspects:

1. Food Safety: GAP focuses on minimizing the risk of contamination from various sources, including soil, water, manure, and handling practices. It mandates the responsible use of agrochemicals, proper hygiene for workers, and clean processing facilities.
2. Environmental Sustainability: GAP encourages farming methods that protect natural resources, including responsible water usage, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Economic Viability: GAP helps farmers gain access to premium markets and build a reputation for reliability, leading to increased income and stability.
4. Worker Health and Safety: GAP standards prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of farm workers.

The adoption of GAP has had a profound impact on modern agriculture and global trade. Agriculture has shifted the focus from merely maximizing yield to emphasizing quality and safety, and helps farmers become more competitive in both local and international markets. In the realm of global trade, GAP has created a more transparent and trustworthy food supply chain. But it has also created a barrier for small-scale farmers who may lack the resources to achieve certification. Despite this challenge, GAP continues to serve as a vital tool for harmonizing food safety standards and facilitating the flow of safe, high-quality food across borders.

Which aspects GAP cover?

GAP covers the entire production chain, from planting to harvest and post-harvest handling. The main areas of focus typically include:

Essentially, GAP is a voluntary framework that helps farmers and producers demonstrate their commitment to producing safe, high-quality food.

GlobalGAP

GlobalGAP is a private, voluntary standard for the certification of agricultural products around the globe. It was originally developed by European retailers under the name EUREPGAP in the late 1990s as a response to growing consumer and retailer concerns about food safety and sustainability. Today, the standard is managed by FoodPLUS GmbH, a non-profit organization based in Germany. GlobalGAP provides a standardized set of rules for good agricultural practices, ensuring a transparent and consistent approach to food production worldwide.

GlobalGAP is designed to create a common standard for food safety across the entire global supply chain, from the farm to the product. It covers a wide range of essential aspects, including food safety and traceability, environmental protection, worker health and safety, and animal welfare. Unlike national standards, GlobalGAP is a globally recognized prerequisite for entering major, high-value markets, making it a critical certification for exporters aiming to sell products internationally.

The name change from EUREPGAP to GlobalGAP in 2007 was a strategic move to reflect its expanding global scope and adoption. The new name emphasized that it was no longer just a European initiative but a worldwide standard applicable to producers and buyers everywhere.

How to obtain a GlobalGAP certificate?

A GlobalGAP certificate is issued by an independent, third-party certification body (CB) that has been accredited by GlobalGAP. The procedure is rigorous and comprehensive, with a robust process that includes a thorough self-assessment and inspection. The cost and timeline depend on the scope of the operation and the specific CB selected.

While the exact process may vary slightly by certification body, it generally follows these core steps:

1. Guidance and Application: The producer first performs a self-assessment against the GlobalGAP standard and then contacts an accredited certification body to register their farm and schedule the audit.
2. Inspection: The certification body conducts an on-site inspection and audit to verify that the farm’s practices, management systems, and production records fully comply with all the required checkpoints of the standard.
3. Certification: If the farm successfully meets all of the mandatory requirements, the certification body issues the official GlobalGAP certificate.

In Vietnam, GlobalGAP can be obtained from the following CB

VietGAP

VietGAP is the Vietnam’s version of GAP, prepared in harmony with other international standard sets like GlobalGAP and AseanGAP. The requirements for VietGAP are specified in National Standard TCVN 11892-1:2017, which was issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam in 2017.

VietGAP was developed to align with Vietnam’s actual agricultural production and administrative practices. It covers essential agricultural aspects, including food safety, environmental protection, labor safety, and product traceability. However, it does not include post-harvest handling, such as processing and logistics. VietGAP helps producers meet domestic demand and demonstrates a commitment to quality.

How to obtain a VietGAP certificate?

A VietGAP certificate is issued by a third-party, accredited organization. The procedure, along with the time and cost involved, is determined by the specific organization chosen and the type of service required by the farm.

While the exact process may vary by issuer, it generally follows these three core steps:

1. Guidance and Application: The farm owner initiates the process by submitting an application and receiving guidance on the requirements of the VietGAP standard.
2. Inspection: The accredited organization conducts a thorough inspection of the farm to verify that the practices, implementation, and commitment to the standard are being met.
3. Certification: If the farm successfully passes the inspection, the organization issues the official VietGAP certificate.

For the cultivation sector, the following Organizations is accredited to issues a VietGAP certificate