GLOBALG.A.P. certification

GlobalG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) is a globally recognized certification standard for primary agricultural production. It helps farmers demonstrate compliance with food safety, sustainability, traceability, worker welfare, and environmental requirements. Many retailers, wholesalers, and food brands require GlobalG.A.P. certification from their suppliers.

GlobalG.A.P. IFA certification is designed for producers involved in primary production, including fruit and vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, aquaculture, livestock, and other agricultural sectors. Both individual producers and producer groups can become certified.
Not sure whether your operation qualifies? Contact Kiwa for guidance on the most suitable certification option.

GlobalG.A.P. certification helps producers meet buyer requirements, gain access to international markets, strengthen consumer confidence, and demonstrate compliance with recognized food safety and sustainability practices. Certification can also streamline supplier approval processes with retailers and importers.

Yes. GlobalG.A.P. IFA is benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This recognition provides confidence to retailers and food businesses that certified producers operate according to internationally accepted requirements.

The certification process typically includes:
1. Application and quotation
2.  Registration in the GlobalG.A.P. database
3.  Preparation and implementation of requirements
4.  On-site audit by a qualified auditor
5.  Review of audit findings
6.  Closure of non-conformities (if applicable)
7.  Certification decision
8.  Issuance of certificate
Kiwa's experts can guide organizations through each step of the process.

GlobalG.A.P. certification is generally valid for one year. Producers must undergo regular audits and maintain compliance to retain certification. Depending on the certification option and applicable rules, additional inspections or unannounced visits may occur.

The cost of GlobalG.A.P. certification depends on factors such as the certification scope, farm size, number of sites, certification option and applicable add-ons. Because every operation is different, certification costs are calculated individually. Kiwa can provide a tailored quotation based on your specific activities and certification requirements.

Yes. Kiwa operates through an international network and supports agricultural producers in many countries worldwide. This allows organizations with operations in multiple locations to work with a consistent certification partner.
Contact Kiwa to discuss certification for single-site, multi-site, or producer group operations.

Simply contact Kiwa through the inquiry form on this page. Our specialists will discuss your activities, locations, and certification scope before preparing a tailored proposal.

GlobalG.A.P. focuses on primary agricultural production at farm level, covering activities such as growing crops, raising livestock, and aquaculture. BRCGS, IFS and FSSC 22000 primarily focus on food processing, manufacturing, packing, storage, and related food supply chain activities.
Many organizations use GlobalG.A.P. certification as a foundation before obtaining certifications that apply further downstream in the food chain.

Option 1 applies to individual producers who are certified independently.

Option 2 applies to producer groups operating under a shared quality management system. Under this option, the group manages internal controls, while the certification body evaluates both the management system and a sample of group members.
Kiwa can help determine which option best suits your organization.

GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice) is a voluntary add-on that assesses worker welfare and social practices. While not always mandatory, many retailers and buyers increasingly request GRASP as part of their supplier requirements.
Combining GlobalG.A.P. and GRASP can help demonstrate responsible social practices and meet customer or retailer requirements.

GlobalG.A.P. IFA covers a wide range of agricultural products, including:
•    Fruit and vegetables
•    Flowers and ornamentals
•    Aquaculture products
•    Livestock
•    Hops and other crops
The applicable scope depends on the activities performed by the producer.

GLOBALG.A.P. offers different certification and assurance solutions depending on your activities and position in the supply chain:

•    IFA Fruit & Vegetables: for fruit and vegetable growers seeking certification of their farming practices.
•    IFA Aquaculture: for fish and seafood farming operations.
•    GRASP: an add-on that helps demonstrate responsible employment practices and worker well-being.
•    Chain of Custody (CoC): for traders, packers, processors and other supply chain companies handling certified products.
•    SPRING: an add-on focused on sustainable water management, helping producers demonstrate responsible water use and meet increasing buyer expectations around water stewardship.

The most suitable GLOBALG.A.P. solution depends on your products, activities, customer requirements and target markets. Many organizations combine IFA with add-ons such as GRASP or SPRING to strengthen their sustainability credentials and meet specific retailer requirements.
Kiwa can help determine which GLOBALG.A.P. certification and add-ons best fit your business and market requirements.