Impact areas and claims
Environment
With over half of the world’s vegetated land now used for agriculture according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), it is crucial to promote farming practices that conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems on a wide scale.
Recognizing the farm as an agricultural ecosystem
Why do GLOBALG.A.P. standards address environmental aspects of responsible farming?
Research by the FAO and UNEP has shown that land conversion and agricultural activity can be key drivers of problems such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, and soil degradation. We believe that targeted solutions are needed to support producers in the resilient, environmentally responsible production of food for a growing population. Such production involves viewing the farm as an ecosystem that is in harmony, rather than competition, with the surrounding landscape.
How GLOBALG.A.P. standards address environmental aspects of responsible farming
Our standards require the implementation of procedures that are designed to manage and minimize risks to the environment via seven key topic areas:
Minimizing toxicity to environment and to people
Enhancing biodiversity and habitats and land use awareness
Promoting energy efficiency
Optimizing waste management
Preventing negative impacts on soil
Preserving water availability
Avoiding nutrient pollution
What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards require responsible use and storage of plant protection products (PPP), chemical compounds, and other hazardous substances to mitigate risks to people and the ecosystem.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
Integrated Pest Management*
Choice of PPP according to national legislation and labels on PPP containers.
Safe handling, storage and application of PPP
Responsible disposal of PPP waste e.g. surplus mix, application equipment, empty containers, obsolete PPPs
Storage guidance for chemical compounds (such as fuels, paints, chalks, and acids)
Staff training in the above areas
*Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest control that combines a variety of practices to manage pests effectively, while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals. The core idea of IPM is to use a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods in a way that is sustainable and economically viable.
Why we address it: Plant protection products are chemicals used to kill pests like insects, weeds, or fungi that can harm crops. While they help farmers grow more food, they can also be bad for the environment, for example they can cause harm to other animals and humans, pollute water, damage soil, or cause pesticide resistance. Fertilizers are substances that farmers add to soil to help plants grow better by providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, if too much fertilizer is used, it can cause eutrophication, a process that harms water bodies and kills aquatic life.
GLOBALG.A.P. standards include criteria that, when implemented correctly, mitigate these risks and reduce the ecotoxicity of farming to safeguard productive land and water.
Standards which include criteria for minimizing toxicity to environment and people:
IFA for fruit and vegetables
IFA for flowers and ornamentals
IFA for aquaculture
IDA module
| Ref | FV-Smart 32.09.01 |
| Principle | Plant protection products (PPPs), biocontrol agents, and any other treatment products are stored in a manner that ensures the associated risks are managed. |
| Criteria | The PPP storage shall: - Comply with all the appropriate current national, regional, and local legislation and regulations - Be located away from production areas, packaging storage areas, living areas, and harvested products to prevent cross contamination - Be kept secure and locked when not in use - Be accessible only to people with formal training in handling PPPs - Be properly ventilated - Have measuring equipment to support the accuracy of mixtures, including containers with graduation demarcations and calibrated scales - Be equipped with utensils (buckets, water supply point, etc.), which shall be kept clean for the safe and efficient handling of all PPPs that can be applied (This last also applies to the filling/mixing area, if this is different.) - Ensure all PPPs used on registered crops are stored separately from those used on nonregistered crops (e.g., garden chemicals) - Contain the PPPs in their original containers and packages (In the case of breakage only, the new package shall contain all the information of the original label.) |
| Compliance level | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards seek to reduce the impact of farming activities on habitats and biodiversity through criteria on several key topics.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
PPP handling and storage with low risk to the environment
Integrated Pest Management which aims to make use of the ecological potential of the local environment in pest management (agriculture
Controlling the conversion of protected areas into farmland, e.g. if protected areas were converted, they are to be restored (agriculture)
Monitoring of benthic biodiversity on all aquaculture systems used (aquaculture)
Escape prevention of farmed species (aquaculture)
Identification of high conservation value areas and farming prevention on those areas (agriculture and aquaculture)
Why we address it: Protecting habitats and biodiversity is essential for maintaining the natural processes that support life on Earth, including human life. It is vital for ecological balance and food security in particular. Healthy flora and fauna impacts soil quality, manages pests, and pollinates crops. Benthic biodiversity health is also crucial for water bodies. GLOBALG.A.P. standards therefore include criteria that seek to mitigate negative impact on habitats, biodiversity, and land use, which in turn sustains the local environment, flora and fauna and safeguards viable land for farming for future generations.
Standards which include criteria on biodiversity and habitats:
IFA for fruit and vegetables
IFA for flowers and ornamentals
IFA for aquaculture
BioDiversity add-on
| Ref | FV-Smart 22.01.02 |
| Principle | Biodiversity is protected. |
| Criteria | The biodiversity plan shall be implemented in order to protect biodiversity, for example via one or more of the following practices or other similar practices: - Integrated pest management (IPM) - Implementing measures to mitigate potential negative impact of artificial illumination on biodiversity, especially during the night (e.g., screens or painted glass that helps mitigate potential impacts on migratory birds or other nocturnal biodiversity) - Allowing for seasonal fallow - Creating shelters for beneficial predators - Leaving areas for habitat near fields or greenhouses - Creating buffer zones along aquatic ecosystems and between production areas or implementing other water management practices - Enabling soil health and soil biodiversity via crop rotation, reduced or no-tillage farming, erosion control, and/or other soil management practices - Optimizing and, if possible, reducing the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers - Implementing measures to protect species With regard to protection of biodiversity, the guideline provides reference. In Option 2 producer groups, evidence at quality management system (QMS) level is acceptable. |
| Compliance level | Minor Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards seek to improve on-farm energy consumption through monitoring energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
Monitoring on-farm energy use (agriculture and aquaculture)
Developing a documented energy efficiency plan (agriculture and aquaculture)
Plans to minimize non-renewable energy consumption (agriculture and aquaculture)
Further recommendations in our standards provide guidelines on energy management metrics, covering aspects such as energy sources, generation, and import/export to and from the farm, along with calculations for energy use per kilogram of product or hectare of production.
Why we address it: On-farm energy efficiency is crucial for reducing costs and improving productivity, as well as protecting the environment and adapting to climate change. These benefits not only help individual farmers but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and food security, which is why we include criteria in our standards to reflect this.
Standards which include criteria on energy efficiency:
IFA for fruit and vegetables
IFA for flowers and ornamentals
IFA aquaculture
IDA
| Ref | FV-Smart 23.01 |
| Principle | On-farm energy use is monitored. |
| Criteria | There shall be records of on-farm energy use (e.g., invoices detailing energy consumption). The producer (or, where applicable, the quality management system (QMS) manager) shall be aware of where and how energy is consumed on the farm and through farming practices. In the absence of energy meters (e.g., for small producers), estimations are acceptable. In Option 2 producer groups, evidence at QMS level is acceptable. |
| Compliance level | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards support producers in implementing a suitable waste management system on their farms and include criteria to verify that farm waste and pollutants are safely identified, reduced, handled, and disposed of in a way that minimizes their impact on both the environment and human health.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
The processes of identifying, reducing, collecting, classifying, storing, and disposing of waste
Requiring empty PPP/chemical compound containers and any surplus from applications to be disposed of in a way that minimizes environmental impact, with a particular focus on reducing plastic waste
Human waste from toilets must be properly collected, and diesel and other fuel storage tanks must meet environmental safety standards
Any subcontractor activities, including those conducted off-site, such as waste removal, sludge management, or equipment disposal, must comply with all relevant legislation
Why we address it: Waste on farm needs to be well managed to avoid contamination of end products as well as the soil, water, and air, and proper waste management practices are essential for the long-term viability of agriculture and the health of the planet.
Standards which include criteria on waste management:
IFA FV
IFA FO
| Ref | FV-Smart 25.01 | AQ 06.02.01 |
| Principle | A waste management system is implemented. | A comprehensive, current, and documented waste management system is implemented. |
| Criteria | A waste management system addressing potential contamination of product or the environment (air, soil, substrate, and water) shall: - Be documented and current - Address collection, storage, and disposal of waste material, including plant protection products, fertilizers, wastewater, drainage, and packaging material, where applicable. | A comprehensive, current, and documented waste management system that covers waste reduction, pollution, and waste recycling shall be available. Air, soil, and water contamination shall be considered where relevant, along with all products and sources identified (organic and inorganic). The waste management system shall include the list of the products and for each of them, the intended reuse/recycle/disposal methods, and where relevant the frequency of collection and removal. The waste management system shall be part of the environmental management plan (EMP). |
| Compliance level | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: Our standards support producers in preserving and improving soil quality and avoiding erosion in agricultural land, as well as preventing the salinization of soil, and – specifically for aquaculture activities – ground water or surface water bodies.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
Maintaining a soil management plan, including soil maps, crop rotation and techniques to preserve soil structure and prevent soil compaction (agriculture)
Practices to prevent soil salinization (aquaculture)
Why we address it: Soil is a living entity essential for sustaining life, supporting global food supply, carbon cycles, and biodiversity. Soil conservation is crucial for the environment because it helps maintain the health and productivity of ecosystems, supports biodiversity, and plays a vital role in combating climate change. Preserving and improving the quality of soil is also crucial for safeguarding future productivity, combatting food scarcity and sustaining life on Earth. Additionally, preventing soil salinization is important to protect both soil and groundwater resources.
Standards which include criteria on soil:
IFA FO
IFA FV
| Ref | FV-Smart 28.01.01 |
| Principle | To improve and optimize soil health, the producer has a soil management plan. |
| Criteria | The producer shall demonstrate that consideration has been given to the nutritional needs of the crop and to maintaining soil fertility. Records of soil analyses and crop-specific information shall be available as evidence. |
| Compliance level | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: Our standards include criteria which seek to protect water sources from pollution and over-abstraction.
How we address it: Our standards promote responsible and efficient water use through criteria on:
adhering to legal water use
sufficient awareness of water sources in critical condition and considerations of other water uses within the basin
storing water during periods of abundance
requiring that water is used efficiently
Further criteria also sets guidelines for the storage, application, and disposal of plant protection products (PPP) and fertilizers to prevent pollution of surface- and groundwater, for example not applying PPP close to water sources (e.g.10m buffer zones) and properly managing waste water.
In aquaculture, we also aim to prevent farming activities from threatening desiccation-sensitive biodiversity* through criteria on records of discharge licenses and abstraction rights.
*Desiccation-sensitive biodiversity refers to species and ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to drying out or losing moisture.
Why we address it: Water is a finite resource that sustains life and supports ecological balance. Droughts and water scarcity increasingly concerns farmers and communities around the world, therefore measures to protect water sources from overuse and pollution are essential for sustaining ecosystems, ensuring human health, supporting agriculture, preventing environmental degradation, mitigating environmental crises, and assuring there is sufficient quantities of high-quality water for local communities.
Standards which include criteria on water availability:
Standards which include criteria on (aspect):
IFA
SPRING add-on
| Ref | FV-Smart 30.02.01 | AQ 06.04.01 |
| Principle | Water use at farm level has valid permits/licenses where legally required. | Water abstraction and discharge meet the requirements set by the competent authority and do not pose a risk to local communities and natural biodiversity. |
| Criteria | Valid permits/licenses issued by the competent authority shall be available for all of the following: - Farm water extraction - Water storage infrastructure - On-farm water usage including but not limited to irrigation, product washing, and flotation processes - Water discharge into river courses or other environmentally sensitive areas, where legally required These permits/licenses shall be available for the certification body (CB) audit and have valid dates. If these are not available where required, there shall be evidence that the producer has actively applied for the permit(s), the approval is in process, and there is no clear evidence of an official prohibition for using the relevant water source(s). | The records of discharge licenses and abstraction rights for each site, plus records of abstraction amounts taken over 12 months, shall be available. The producer shall show evidence that the farming activities do not pose a risk to desiccation-sensitive biodiversity and do not limit access to household water for the local community. |
| Compliance level | Major Must | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
What we claim: Our standards include criteria that, if well implemented, work to avoid the leakage or loss of nutrients which causes pollution in water bodies, ground water, and soil.
How we address it: Our standards include criteria on:
Technical decision-making regarding the amount, timing, and type of fertilizers used
Ensuring correct storage and application of fertilizers and plant nutrients so as to avoid pollution
Why we address it: The excessive use of fertilizers is causing a significant environmental impact globally, whereby mineral nitrogen and phosphorus cause algae blooms which decompose, generating eutrophication of water bodies (dead zones).
Standards which include criteria on (aspect):
IFA
| Ref | FV-Smart 29.02.02 |
| Principle | Fertilizers and biostimulants are stored in an appropriate manner that reduces the risk of environmental contamination. |
| Criteria | Fertilizers (organic and inorganic) and biostimulants shall be stored in a designated area. Appropriate measures shall have been taken to prevent the pollution of water sources (concrete foundations, walls, leak-proof container, etc.), or the fertilizers shall be stored at least 25 meters from water sources. Where necessary, inorganic fertilizers (powders, granules, liquids, etc.) shall be protected from atmospheric influences (sunlight, frost and rain, high temperatures, etc.). Based on a risk assessment (fertilizer type, weather conditions, storage duration and location), plastic coverage may be acceptable. It is permitted to store lime and gypsum in the field. As long as the storage requirements on the safety data sheet (SDS) are complied with, bulk liquid fertilizers can be stored outside in containers. The storage area shall be well ventilated and free from rainwater or heavy condensation. Inorganic fertilizers shall be stored in an area that is free from waste, does not constitute a breeding place for rodents, and where spillage and leakage can be cleared away. |
| Compliance level | Major Must |
Source: IFA for fruit and vegetables, v6 Smart, principles and criteria
Access GLOBALG.A.P. standard documents
GLOBALG.A.P. standard documents are publicly available, free of charge, and translated into multiple languages. They are developed through a transparent and comprehensive standard setting process that involves stakeholders from across the supply chain and includes scientific and technical expertise, field trials, and public consultation.
Latest news
30 June 2025
United States national interpretation guideline published for Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 GFS for fruit and vegetables
Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 GFS, recognized by GFSI, is now supported with the newly published national interpretation guideline for fruit and vegetable production in the United States.
30 June 2025
Final members of the GLOBALG.A.P. Technical Advisory Committee announced
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), responsible for the technical overview of standard and add-on content, is now complete, with all 14 members confirmed.
30 June 2025
Argentine food safety and analytical services center CIATI joins the GLOBALG.A.P. community
With over 25 years of expertise, CIATI provides comprehensive analytical testing and technical assistance to support regulatory compliance in food safety across sectors.
