GLOBALG.A.P. is a globally recognized certification scheme ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, traceability and socially responsible farming practices. It began in 1997 in Cologne, Germany, responding to widespread consumer concern about food safety threats, notably the mad cow disease crisis. Initially named EurepGAP, it was created through collaboration between retailers and producers, aiming to rebuild consumer trust in European food products.

In 2002, EurepGAP expanded beyond Europe and was renamed GLOBALG.A.P., reflecting its growing global reach. As of 2023, GLOBALG.A.P. is recognized in over 137 countries, certifying more than 194,000 producers worldwide, including in Malaysia.

A screenshot of GLOBALG.A.P. annual report 2023 showing all the countries that recognize GLOBALG.A.P. standard on a world map — Annual Report 2023 of GLOBALG.A.P. https://www.globalgap.org/news/2023-annual-report-publication/

What Makes GLOBALG.A.P. Special?

GLOBALG.A.P. stands out because it was the first farming certification developed collaboratively by both retailers and producers. Its governance structure features an equal number of retailers and producers on its board, ensuring that both consumer demands and farmers’ practical capabilities are considered. This balanced approach means standards are continually updated to reflect consumer expectations while remaining achievable for farmers.

Additionally, GLOBALG.A.P. serves as a benchmark for national GAP standards globally, including China’s ChinaGAP and Malaysia’s myGAP. For farmers aiming to export to Europe and Singapore, GLOBALG.A.P. certification is often a crucial requirement. Even domestically in Malaysia, being GLOBALG.A.P. certified helps farmers stand out when supplying major franchises and retailers like McDonald’s Malaysia, AEON, and other prominent chains.

GLOBALG.A.P. certified berries in packaging labelled with GGN — GLOBALG.A.P. certified berries found in AEON grocery of Malaysia

Key Benefits of GLOBALG.A.P. Certification

1. Food Safety

The standard places significant emphasis on food safety, strictly prohibiting the use of hazardous chemicals that are banned either nationally or by importing countries. For example, a Malaysian farmer exporting produce to Europe must comply with both European and Malaysian regulations on pesticide usage. Auditors regularly verify compliance, ensuring that certified products meet stringent international safety standards.

2. Traceability

Another critical aspect is traceability. GLOBALG.A.P. requires certified farms to maintain records enabling full traceability of products from farm to consumer. In situations like food contamination or illness outbreaks, this system allows authorities and retailers to quickly identify the source, minimizing risk and protecting consumers.

3. Environmental Conservation

Starting with GLOBALG.A.P. Version 6, environmental sustainability has become even more critical. Certified farms must prove that they were not converted from protected forests after 1 January 2014. They are also required to implement practices that support pollinators (such as bees), protect water bodies, and responsibly manage chemical waste to minimize environmental harm.

4. Social Responsibility

The standard also prioritizes social responsibility. Certified farms must adhere to ethical labor practices, prohibiting child labor and forced labor. Farmers are required to ensure that their workers receive fair treatment, appropriate wages, and safe working conditions. This aspect enhances the overall sustainability of farming operations, benefiting both workers, communities and consumers.

How Thinkinbio Can Help

Being certified can be challenging for many farmers in Malaysia, especially those unfamiliar with the comprehensive standards and documentation processes required. This is where Thinkinbio steps in. We offer tailored support services, including:

Training and Workshops:

Providing hands-on training to farmers and producers on GLOBALG.A.P. standards, ensuring they understand and correctly implement all necessary practices.

2. Consultancy and Audit Preparation:

Assisting farms with gap analysis, documentation, and preparation for certification audits. Our experienced consultants help farms identify and correct potential issues before official inspections, significantly improving their chances of successful certification.

3. Internal Audits:

Conducting thorough internal audits to verify compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards. Our internal audit service helps identify non-conformities early, allowing farms to implement corrective actions proactively. This reduces the risk of failure during external certification audits and ensures continuous compliance.