Environmental Sustainability Working Group

Purpose and structure

Environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the farming industry.

GLOBALG.A.P.’s holistic flagship standard, Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA), already includes core requirements for various topics relating to environmental sustainability. However, some stakeholders want to go the extra mile to demonstrate their commitment to this crucial topic. The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will therefore offer a farm assurance solution to meet this need.

The main task of the Environmental Sustainability Working Group is to develop this environmental sustainability solution ready for launch in 2025. The form of the solution – an add-on or stand-alone standard – has not yet been decided.

The working group will also explore how the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat can further embrace environmental sustainability while observing the principle of avoiding duplication at farm level in terms of certification, harmonization with existing sustainability programs, and the cost-effective adoption of good agricultural practices.

Further details can be found in the terms of reference.

Chairperson:
Nigel Thorgrimsson (AgFood Assist)

Vice-chairpersons:
Kathleen Heinzel (Lidl) representing Retailers/Food service
Stefanie Vermaesen (Nature's Pride) representing Producers/Suppliers

GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat representative:
Rene Capote