On 17 August 2023, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH signed a Scheme Endorsement Agreement to recognize the GLOBALG.A.P. Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) standard under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Agreement (MLA).

The GLOBALG.A.P. PHA standard outlines requirements for responsible farming practices in produce handling and post-harvest operations. It is designed to ensure that fruits and vegetables are handled and processed in a safe and hygienic manner, and that they meet strict quality and food safety standards. The standard covers all stages of produce handling and processing, including receiving, washing, packing, storage, and transport. It also covers the management of on-site facilities and the training of personnel. Accredited certification to GLOBALG.A.P. PHA can provide assurance that the companies handling and processing produce are adhering to strict guidelines on food safety.

The GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard, which has been recognized as an IAF MLA sub-scope since 2013, is a standard for agricultural production processes based on criteria that cover areas such as food safety, environmental protection, worker health and safety, and animal welfare. The standard is intended to help producers meet the demands of the global market for safe and sustainable agricultural products, and accredited certification to this standard can provide consumers with confidence that the products they purchase have been produced responsibly.

Under the agreement, these standards will be recognized by IAF as IAF MLA sub-scopes under the main scope of Product Certification. This recognition will ensure mutual recognition of accredited certification for each standard by IAF MLA signatories, allowing for the acceptance of accredited certificates in many markets based on one accreditation.

‘IAF is excited to announce the new recognition of the GLOBALG.A.P. PHA standard. Through this collaboration with GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS, we hope to support the use of best practices in the industry and the sustainability of global food production,’ said Emanuele Riva, IAF Chair.

‘We are pleased to receive IAF recognition for the GLOBALG.A.P. Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) standard, as it demonstrates the integrity and trust in our systems. This recognition supports us in our aim to offer solutions to the industry while eliminating unnecessary costs in certification duplication,’ said Dr. Elmé Coetzer-Boersma, Managing Director of GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH.

About IAF:

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a global association of accreditation bodies, conformity assessment body associations and other organizations involved in conformity assessment in fields including validation and verification and the certification of management systems, products, processes, services and persons.

IAF promotes the worldwide acceptance of certificates of conformity and validation/verification statements issued by conformity assessment bodies accredited by IAF MLA signatories, and seeks to add value for all stakeholders through its activities and programs.

About GLOBALG.A.P.:

GLOBALG.A.P. is a brand of smart farm assurance solutions developed by FoodPLUS GmbH in Cologne, Germany, with cooperation from producers, retailers, and other stakeholders across the food industry. These solutions include a range of standards for safe, socially and environmentally responsible farming practices. The most widely used GLOBALG.A.P. standard is IFA, applicable to fruit and vegetables, aquaculture, floriculture, and more. This standard also forms the basis for the GGN label – the consumer label for certified, responsible farming and transparency.

The GLOBALG.A.P. brand began its journey as EUREPGAP in 1997. Now, over twenty-five years later, almost 200,000 producers are under GLOBALG.A.P. certification in over 130 countries. Nearly 150 team members around the world are dedicated to the mission of spreading responsible farming practices to ensure safe food for future generations.

https://www.globalgap.org/uk_en/