GLOBALG.A.P. in 2022: the year in review

Reliable solutions in turbulent times

In 2022, just as we expected  a return to normalcy after two years of global struggle against the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine brought fresh challenges to the agriculture community and to society at large.

Amidst the resulting shortages and rationing in European supermarkets, and dramatically higher farm input costs worldwide, GLOBALG.A.P. has been consistently spreading the message that every generation has the right to safe food. Through our trusted farm assurance solutions we are taking bold steps to ensure that this aspiration becomes a reality, and we stand committed to supporting our Community Members and stakeholders through these challenging times.

Reconnecting with stakeholders at trade fairs

GLOBALG.A.P. team members attended multiple trade fairs in 2022, hosting booths at the summer edition of IPM Essen, Seafood Expo Global, Fruit Logistica, Fish International, Fruit Attraction, and Trade Fair Aalsmeer. We met thousands of people representing hundreds of companies from many countries around the world, showcased our trusted solutions, and shared important updates with industry stakeholders.

IFA v6: a smarter, simpler IFA standard for the future

One of our key accomplishments in 2022 was the launch of IFA v6.

“IFA v6 is GLOBALG.A.P.’s flagship standard in a new and improved format,” explains GLOBALG.A.P. Managing Director Elmé Coetzer-Boersma. “It has a simplified structure and language, extended criteria on key issues such as sustainability and animal welfare, and – for the first time – continuous improvement at producer level. Overall, it’s a smarter standard, fit for the future.” IFA v6 is available for implementation now and will become mandatory on 1 January 2024.

Learn more about the IFA v6 updates here, where you’ll also find out how being certified to the IFA standard can help you connect with more consumers around the world.

This year the total number of producers with certified production processes is 196,245 in 139 countries around the globe.

GRASP adoption, plus a new version

The GRASP add-on to the IFA standard is a voluntary, farm-level social/labor management tool. GRASP v2, which features stronger protections for workers, was published this year and will become mandatory on 1 January 2024.

As of 2022, 1,803,738 workers are affiliated by GRASP-assessed farms and production facilities in 104 countries around the world. Over 50% of producers under GLOBALG.A.P. certification have adopted the add-on, which represents more than 118,000 producers.

GGN label adoption increases

The GGN label, GLOBALG.A.P.’s consumer label, stands for certified, responsible farming and transparency. Found on both packed and loose products, the familiar blue and yellow logo offers consumers assurance by confirming that products bearing the GGN label have been produced in line with certified, responsible farming practices covering food safety, environmental protection, animal welfare, social responsibility, and supply chain transparency.

As of 2022, there are 324 GGN label licensees worldwide. Producers and retailers now use the label on a total of 1,600 unique products, ranging from Thai bananas to Norwegian Atlantic salmon.

GRASP certification is an important prerequisite for using the GGN label. We recently published the GRASP National Interpretation Guideline for Japan, and retailers in the Aeon Group are now licensed to use the GGN label in Japan in 2023. This year we also finalized the Residue Monitoring System platform which is used to share the results of maximum residue limit tests with GLOBALG.A.P. It is scheduled to be launched in Q1 of 2023.

In 2018, Spanish supermarket chain Eroski became the first retailer in Spain to adopt the GGN label on aquaculture products. In a new milestone for 2022, Eroski has now also adopted the label on fruits and vegetables, positioning them as the first retailer in Spain to offer consumers products bearing the GGN label from both categories under one roof.

Persistent growth and improvement

We are constantly using feedback from stakeholders to adapt our plans, make bold decisions, and anticipate future challenges. Each year is a step toward plentiful, safe food produced while safeguarding our environment and the welfare of farming communities.

Photo: Shutterstock