GLOBALG.A.P. farm visits: Strengthening bonds and enhancing standards

Boots on the ground, ready to listen

The main objective of these visits was to engage directly with farmers, gaining insight into the on-ground realities of agricultural production, how our standards adapt to their changing realities, and hear their suggestions for potential adjustments. This hands-on approach is crucial for GLOBALG.A.P. as it allows the team to fine-tune the standards, ensuring they remain relevant and beneficial to farmers worldwide.

Dr. Elmé Coetzer-Boersma, Managing Director at GLOBALG.A.P., highlighted the importance of these visits, noting that they provide an invaluable opportunity for a two-way exchange of information. “Being on the farms allows us to see firsthand how our standards are implemented and where improvements can be made," she said. This direct interaction helps GLOBALG.A.P. to craft standards that are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable.

Observations and insights

In Colombia, Leonardo Ferrer, Technical Key Account Manager for Colombia and Panama, observed the dedication of producers to implementing GLOBALG.A.P.'s standards. He emphasized the importance of these interactions in understanding the unique challenges faced by farmers in different regions. “These visits help us appreciate the diverse agricultural practices and the specific adjustments farmers make to comply with our standards,” Ferrer explained.

Similarly, in Belgium, Senior Technical Expert Nolan Quiros noted that farm visits are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of GLOBALG.A.P.'s assurance instruments. “Farmers are not only part of our main stakeholders, but are also the subjects of our assurance instruments,” he said. “We have producers in our technical committees that help us by bringing perspectives when writing the standards. However, talking to farmers at the farm, where the assurance instruments are being applied, gives a completely different view on how the instruments reach – or maybe don’t reach – the objectives that GLOBALG.A.P. intends.”

Adapting to a changing agricultural landscape

One of the recurring themes during these visits was the need for adaptability in agricultural practices. Farmers are constantly adjusting to factors such as labor shortages, fluctuating resource prices, and changing environmental regulations. Dr. Quiros pointed out that understanding these dynamics is essential for GLOBALG.A.P. to offer meaningful support to farmers.

Alessandro Dalpiaz, a member of the GLOBALG.A.P. Advisory Board, stresses the importance of human relationships in problem-solving. “Listening to the actual priorities of the starting side of the supply chain, as happened in France, can move GLOBALG.A.P. closer to the growers, making this certification scheme more balanced, realistic, and inclusive.”

Building partnerships and empowering farmers

These visits underscore GLOBALG.A.P.'s commitment to continuously improving their standards in line with the evolving needs of farmers, the constant changes they face, and the wider agricultural industry.
The farm visits can identify pain points that producers experience when conditions quickly change. “[These visits] show us how farmers need to adapt to rapid changes; migration, lack of labour, changing prices in resources, changing environmental regulations, changing buyers’ requirements for buying produce.”

Perhaps more importantly, these visits also fostered a renewed sense of partnership between GLOBALG.A.P. and the farming communities. “Direct contact with producers is essential,” Ferrer noted. "It helps build a sense of collaboration and mutual respect.” Dr. Coetzer-Boersma echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that understanding each other's perspectives leads to better solutions and stronger partnerships.

The delegation expressed their gratitude to the farms that hosted them and provided valuable insights. You can find selected photos of the tours below.

Photos from France

Photos from Colombia

Photos from Belgium