Zoom on the GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody standard: a certification for good agricultural practices and traceable farming!

Since the 1970s, there has been a growing global awareness of the limits of economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector. While intensive farming has successfully met rising food demands, its impact on the environment, soil health, and biodiversity has highlighted the need to rethink agricultural practices.

In this context, sustainable agricultural practices have emerged, focusing on balancing productivity with respect for natural resources. As defined by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), sustainable agriculture is "a model capable of meeting the needs of current and future generations while remaining economically viable, preserving ecosystem health, and ensuring social and economic equity."

To support and encourage this transition toward more responsible farming, frameworks like the GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certification have been developed. GLOBALG.A.P. aligns with this approach by offering an international standard that promotes good agricultural practices while addressing increasing demands for sustainability, traceability, and food safety.

GLOBALG.A.P.: An International Standard for Responsible Agricultural Practices

GLOBALG.A.P. is a certification framework designed to meet the growing demand from consumers and retailers for safe, sustainable, and traceable agricultural products. This standard has become a global benchmark, adopted in over 130 countries, and applies to a wide range of products, including fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, flowers, and ornamental plants.

It sets stringent requirements in several key areas:

• Food safety and traceability
• Natural resource management
• Hygiene and good agricultural practices
• Worker health, safety, and welfare

However, certifying farms alone is not enough to secure the entire supply chain. As certified products are distributed and change hands, ensuring their traceability becomes critical. This is where the GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody (CoC) certification plays a crucial role.

Ensuring Traceability and Integrity of Certified Products with GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody

This extension of the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA (Integrated Farm Assurance) standard ensures that any product sold as GLOBALG.A.P.-certified or displaying the GGN label comes from certified actors. Through rigorous audits along the supply chain—from the farm to the final consumer—the CoC certification enhances product transparency.

As of January 1, 2023, this certification has become mandatory for all companies handling GLOBALG.A.P.-certified products, further strengthening the label’s credibility and integrity.

The Guarantees of Chain of Custody Certification

The GLOBALG.A.P. CoC certification offers solid guarantees for all supply chain actors:

• Transparency: Ensures that every product bearing the GLOBALG.A.P. label originates from a certified farm.
• Reliability: Rigorous checks at every stage prevent fraud.
• Consumer Trust: Enhances product credibility through comprehensive traceability.

Version 6.1 of the standard became mandatory on July 1, 2023, ensuring ever more stringent and relevant standards for today’s challenges.

Steps to Obtain Chain of Custody Certification

To achieve GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody certification, companies must follow a process overseen by an accredited certification body, such as Ecocert. The main steps are:

1. Application: Submission of the application form to Ecocert.
2. Preparation: Analysis of company activities and audit planning.
3. Initial audit: Evaluation by an independent auditor to verify compliance with the standard’s requirements.
4. Certification decision: Issuance of the certificate upon successful compliance.
5. Ongoing monitoring: Regular audits to ensure continued compliance.

This process guarantees a rigorous and transparent evaluation.

A Vital Certification Driven by Ecocert for Sustainable and Transparent Farming

Since its accreditation in 2023, Ecocert, a globally recognized certification body, has been developing and promoting the GLOBALG.A.P. CoC certification, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

To date, audits have been conducted in seven countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, Peru, Argentina, Spain, and the United States, demonstrating its global reach.

Through this certification, Ecocert supports companies across their entire value chain. Its expertise and commitment to sustainable agriculture make it a trusted partner for actors looking to meet the demands of international markets and consumers concerned about responsible production.

By opting for the GLOBALG.A.P. CoC certification, companies not only bolster their credibility but also contribute to a global movement toward farming that respects resources and future generations.