GLOBALG.A.P. technical news
Use the links below to locate key entries and excerpts from the GLOBALG.A.P. technical newsletter. The complete and original technical newsletters are available in the GLOBALG.A.P. document center and the CB Extranet.
Looking for technical news?
Technical news – Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA)
Technical news summaries for all entries relating to the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard.
Go to technical news libraryTechnical news – Core solutions
Technical news summaries for Chain of Custody, Compound Feed Manufacturing, Crops for Processing, Produce Handling Assurance, HPSS, and TR4 Biosecurity Standard.
Go to technical news libraryTechnical news – Add-ons
Technical news summaries for all entries relating to add-ons to core solutions, including GRASP, SPRING, and more.
Go to technical news libraryTechnical news – Systems and services
Technical news summaries for all entries relating to GLOBALG.A.P. systems and services, including IT systems such as Audit Online Hub.
Go to technical news libraryOther news highlights
21 July 2025
Understanding product recalls in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
What is the recall and withdrawal principle, and how does the GLOBALG.A.P. certification system support traceability mechanisms in the supply chain?
21 July 2025
IFA v6 standards for combinable crops and plant propagation material published
Following a comprehensive development process, two new product categories under the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) version 6 plants scope were published in July 2025.
15 July 2025
Software solutions specialist Agrosoft Latam joins the GLOBALG.A.P. community
With almost 30 years of experience, Agrosoft Latam specializes in cutting-edge ERP solutions for the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
15 July 2025
Driving responsible aquaculture in Norway: A visit to Hofseth International farms
Discover how Hofseth International is redefining aquaculture through 100% fish utilization, technological advancements, and compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. standards.
08 July 2025
Change of legal entity name to Agraya GmbH
As of 30 June 2025, our legal entity name has officially changed from FoodPLUS GmbH to Agraya GmbH.
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.
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.
26 June 2025
Understanding the role of national technical working groups (NTWGs) in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
What are NTWGs and how do they ensure GLOBALG.A.P. standards are applied effectively around the world despite diversity in national legislation, agricultural practices, and structural conditions?
27 May 2025
Understanding solution categories in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
What are the GLOBALG.A.P. solution categories and how do they contribute to assurance accessibility for the diverse range of farm types and sizes around the world?
23 May 2025
Environmental responsibility on the farm: Piloting a new GLOBALG.A.P. solution
Following the International Day for Biological Diversity, explore how GLOBALG.A.P.’s new environmental sustainability solution is coming to life in farm trials across Europe.
22 May 2025
International Day for Biological Diversity 2025: GLOBALG.A.P. Creates Synergies for Nature and Responsible Development
As a leading organization for smart farm assurance solutions, GLOBALG.A.P. continues to expand the integration of biodiversity into its work and supports stakeholders in reaching and sharing their achievements.
19 May 2025
Food safety and security laboratory Agrolab México joins the GLOBALG.A.P. community
Agrolab’s innovative laboratories conduct more than 400 different accredited testing methods, contributing to food safety across multiple sectors.
30 April 2025
Understanding certification integrity in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
What is the GLOBALG.A.P. Integrity Program and how does it contribute to the trustworthiness of GLOBALG.A.P. standards and their worldwide implementation?
29 April 2025
Join GLOBALG.A.P. at Sustainability osapiens Summit 2025
Join GLOBALG.A.P. at SoS.25 in Mannheim! Explore sustainability, tech, and transparency at this free event, 14–15 May 2025
29 April 2025
New Zealand GAP scheme benchmarked equivalent to IFA version 6 Smart for fruit and vegetables
New Zealand GAP - GLOBAL v.7 has completed the GLOBALG.A.P. benchmarking process and been confirmed as benchmarked equivalent to GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 Smart for fruit and vegetables.
28 April 2025
New GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stops approaching!
TOUR stops are collaborative events for the promotion of safer and more responsible farming practices around the world. Find out where we’ll be in 2025!
11 April 2025
Welcome Sustainabloom, established by the American Floral Endowment, to the GLOBALG.A.P. Community Membership!
Sustainabloom supports funding, education, research, and resources for increasing sustainability in the Floriculture Industry
25 March 2025
Understanding capacity building in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
What is capacity building and how does GLOBALG.A.P. contribute towards capacity-building measures in the farming sector? Where are GLOBALG.A.P. capacity building activities conducted and what projects are we involved in? Read on to find out.
06 March 2025
GLOBALG.A.P. solutions soon to cover all three FSI “Basket of Standards” pillars
The Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) aims to promote responsible sourcing in the floriculture sector through its Basket of Standards. This framework helps flower and ornamental plant producers to meet environmental, social, and GAP criteria.
26 February 2025
New GLOBALG.A.P. IT platform: What you need to know
The next generation of GLOBALG.A.P. IT solutions launches on 1 March 2025 – marking a major milestone in our long-term collaboration with partner osapiens.
25 February 2025
Understanding benchmarking in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
Which national schemes are benchmarked to GLOBALG.A.P. solutions, and which GLOBALG.A.P. standards have achieved international benchmarking recognition? Read more to find out.
24 February 2025
New FSMA PSR add-on v2.1 published
This update replaces FSMA PSR add-on v2.0 for audits starting on 7 April 2025.
20 February 2025
Updates to the GLOBALG.A.P. governance framework and FoodPLUS GmbH organizational structure
Some changes to our committees for technical content entered effect in 2024, and we would now like to inform you about further updates to the GLOBALG.A.P. governance framework and the FoodPLUS GmbH organizational structure.
07 February 2025
Empowering smallholders: A win for the planet and the entire value chain
GLOBALG.A.P. shaped the conversation at Fruit Logistica 2025 with a panel discussion showcasing smallholders and their vital role in a resilient, responsible food system in the future.
03 February 2025
New Social Responsibility standard for flowers and ornamentals enters public consultation
A new solution for the flowers and ornamentals sector is in development. Find out who it’s aimed at, what’s included, and how to provide your comments on the initial draft during a public consultation phase.
27 January 2025
New episodes added to educational videos series
The free e-learning tool, originally launched in February 2024, aims to support producers and trainers in understanding how to implement good agricultural practices. New episodes are now available!
25 January 2025
Reminder of IFA v6 GFS transition deadline and support available
From 1 Jan 2025, all IFA audits for aquaculture / fruit and veg must use IFA v6 GFS or Smart edition. Transition tools are available to support the shift.
04 December 2024
GLOBALG.A.P.’s social responsibility solution is ready for US farms
GLOBALG.A.P. North America is excited to announce that the updated version of the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP) is ready for implementation by US producers.
27 November 2024
Update on the new GLOBALG.A.P. IT system, in development with our partner osapiens
A new IT infrastructure, in development with osapiens, is scheduled to launch in March 2025. Learn more about what to expect.
27 November 2024
Understanding the role of national interpretation guidelines in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
How are global agricultural standards applied at a local level? Discover how national interpretation guidelines empower producers by aligning global standards with local regulations and realities – making implementation simpler and more effective.
30 October 2024
Understanding accreditation in the GLOBALG.A.P. system
Discover the essential role of accreditation in the GLOBALG.A.P. system and get an inside look at the 2024 technical meeting in Berlin, where industry leaders gathered to reinforce quality and trust across the certification process.
26 September 2024
IFA v6 GFS transition period confirmed
Following recognition of the Integrated Farm Assurance standard for plants and aquaculture from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) in August 2024, a transition period is now confirmed.
26 September 2024
A meeting of the minds at the GLOBALG.A.P. SUMMIT 2024
The GLOBALG.A.P. SUMMIT 2024, held in Warsaw, Poland from 10–12 September, brought together industry leaders to “Engage, Image, and Transform” the future of global food supply chains.
26 September 2024
Version 6 of Primary Farm Assurance now available
The Primary Farm Assurance (PFA) program has been updated: Version 6 was published on 11 September 2024 and, following a six-month transition period, replaces v5 as of 1 March 2025.
27 August 2024
GFSI recognition received once again for GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Standards
Integrated Farm Assurance standards have received official recognition from the Global Food Safety Initiative, highlighting the organization's unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of food safety across the entire supply chain.
19 August 2024
GLOBALG.A.P. farm visits: Strengthening bonds and enhancing standards
In July 2024, GLOBALG.A.P. representatives visited a selection of farms in Belgium, France, and Colombia to deepen their understanding of the practical challenges and successes of agricultural producers. Find out how they got on.
31 July 2024
Biodiversity topics take root: A deep dive
As the focus on biodiversity in agriculture intensifies, we track the progress of the BioDiversity add-on. Field trials evaluate its global applicability and inform biodiversity topics in our forthcoming environmental sustainability solution.
31 July 2024
IAF scheme endorsement for IFA v6
On 15 July 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) signed a Scheme Endorsement Agreement with GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH in recognition of Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) version 6.
30 July 2024
Reflecting on a year of progress: Our 2023 Annual Report is here!
Dive into a year of remarkable progress! Our 2023 Annual Report is now available, showcasing the impressive growth of GLOBALG.A.P. solutions, community membership and event overviews, plus capacity building highlights that shaped our journey last year.
20 June 2024
2023 Integrity Report is out now!
Find out about the activities of the GLOBALG.A.P. Integrity Program in our report - published annually.
05 June 2024
Webinar series: People, planet, prosperity
GLOBALG.A.P. North America will host a free three-part mini-series of webinars to explore the benefits that farmers can gain from proper implementation of good agricultural practices and responsible farming methods.
27 May 2024
Developing the new environmental sustainability solution: Where are we now?
As we enter the second round of public consultation for our new environmental sustainability solution, find out where we are in the development process and what to expect from the new solution.
27 May 2024
Coming up: Exclusive GRASP webinars co-presented by the International Labor Organization
Join us for three insightful webinars on the topic of forced labor in agricultural supply chains and the GRASP add-on. Hosted by GLOBALG.A.P. expert Nolan Quiros and ILO representative
24 May 2024
International Day of Biological Diversity panel discussion
On 24 May 2024, GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH hosted a virtual panel discussion in honor of the United Nations International Day of Biological Diversity. Find out what the panelists had to say.
29 April 2024
GLOBALG.A.P. hosts panel discussion on responsible aquaculture supply chains at Seafood Expo Global 2024
On the afternoon of April 23, GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH brought together representatives from across the aquaculture sector to discuss the latest trends and developments currently evolving in Europe.
29 April 2024
Coming up: Celebrating the UN International Day of Biological Diversity with a virtual panel discussion
On 24 May 2024, GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH will host a live online panel discussion in celebration of the United Nations International Day of Biological Diversity. Learn more about the topics, guest speakers, and how to tune in.
11 April 2024
New GLOBALG.A.P. webinar series: A guide to IFA v6 transition
Hosted by GLOBALG.A.P. experts, our latest free webinar series is designed to help producers transition seamlessly to IFA version 6 for flowers and ornamentals, fruit and vegetables, and aquaculture. Find your webinar today!
26 March 2024
Don’t miss our upcoming panel discussion: Exploring responsible aquaculture supply chains
Join us at Seafood Expo Global 2024 for an engaging panel discussion on the topic of evolving transparency requirements in aquaculture supply chains. 2 p.m., Tuesday 23 April, Conference Center 5, Conference Room CC 5.2, Fira Barcelona.
26 March 2024
GLOBALG.A.P. SUMMIT 2024: Changemaker Awards
We are excited to announce the launch of a new initiative to celebrate global stakeholders who foster positive change in the world of farming: The Changemaker Awards. The submission period opens on 10 April 2024. Learn more about how to apply.
26 March 2024
NSF Certification UK Ltd awards the first IFA v6 Smart certificate
Italian fruit producer Roberto Faillace is the first to receive a certificate for IFA v6 Smart. Learn more about his experience transitioning to the latest version of GLOBALG.A.P.’s flagship standard.
27 February 2024
Join us at SUMMIT 2024: Early Bird tickets now on sale!
For the first time since 2018 in Peru, the SUMMIT event will return in September 2024 in Warsaw, Poland, to explore the latest developments in food safety and sustainability, as well as the future of the industry.
27 February 2024
Launch of new educational video series on risk assessments
The free e-learning tool, launched in February 2024, aims to support producers and trainers in understanding on-farm risk assessments.
26 February 2024
An impactful Fruit Logistica 2024
Fruit Logistica 2024 provided the stage for tens of thousands of individuals from across the fresh produce supply chain to connect, network, and discover the latest developments and innovations in the industry.
26 February 2024
Leading farm management software provider Farmable becomes GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member
Cutting-edge farm management software provider Farmable is now a GLOBALG.A.P. Community Member. Explore their role in shaping a sustainable future for global farming.
19 February 2024
IPM Essen 2024 highlights
Discover how GLOBALG.A.P. and GGN label brands shone at IPM Essen 2024, showcasing innovative solutions, fostering sustainability discussions, and presenting the International Grower of the Year award.
08 February 2024
GLOBALG.A.P. panel discussion tackles critical topic of responsible water management at Berlin’s Fruit Logistica 2024
GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS held a panel discussion at Fruit Logistica featuring various industry experts to share cross-sector perspectives on the current challenges and solutions in farm level responsible water management.
22 January 2024
First national interpretation guideline for aquaculture standard developed by Colombian working group
The Colombian National Technical Working Group published the first national interpretation guideline for Integrated Farm Assurance version 6 for aquaculture in December 2023.
22 January 2024
New FSMA PSR add-on v2 now available
Version 2 of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule add-on for fruit and vegetable producers supplying the US market was launched on 1 January 2024.
19 January 2024
IFA v5 to v6 transition tool now available for flowers and ornamentals
The free-of-charge transition tool is designed to help floriculture producers transition from IFA v5 to IFA v6.
13 November 2023
Applicability of GRASP v2 extended and transition period for new fees
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat communicates two key decisions to support the transition to IFA v6 for all stakeholders.
12 September 2023
International Accreditation Forum recognizes PHA standard
The International Accreditation Forum has accepted the GLOBALG.A.P. Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) standard under its Multilateral Recognition Agreement.
07 September 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat publishes revised SPRING v2 for responsible water management
Version 2 of the SPRING add-on furthers the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat’s commitment to environmental sustainability by supporting responsible on farm water use.
31 August 2023
Integrity Report 2022 now available
The GLOBALG.A.P. integrity report for 2022 has been published and is now available online.
26 August 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. meets with Italian apple producers and NTWG
GLOBALG.A.P. senior management visited the Italian region of Trentino-South Tyrol to attend a meeting hosted by the association of Italian apple producers.
15 August 2023
New Integrated Farm Assurance version 6 transition tools for seamless certification
Three new transition tools are now available to support producers in their transition to the newest version of the flagship GLOBALG.A.P. standard, IFA version 6.
12 August 2023
Statement on the resignation of Managing Director Dr Kristian Moeller
On 12 May 2023 Kristian Moeller, Managing Director of GLOBALG.A.P. c/o FoodPLUS GmbH, announced he will step down from the role, effective 31 May.
08 August 2023
NTWG New Zealand first to publish new GRASP v2 NIG
NTWG New Zealand was the first to successfully submit and complete the revision process for the GRASP national interpretation guideline for the new GRASP v2.
31 July 2023
Upcoming public consultations for plant propagation material and combinable crops
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will soon be opening the hosting of the second public consultation period for the product categories plant propagation material.
31 July 2023
Next GLOBALG.A.P. TOUR stop: Brazil, South America’s agricultural powerhouse
The next TOUR stop is scheduled for the last two days of October (30/31 October) and will take place in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.
19 July 2023
US Food and Drug Administration recognizes alignment of GLOBALG.A.P. standard with the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule
The GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance standard v 5.4-1-GFS, plus the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) add-on, is now officially recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be in alignment with the PSR.
28 June 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. North America announces Roberta Anderson as president
FoodPLUS GmbH is pleased to announce Roberta Anderson will assume the role of President of the U.S. subsidiary, GLOBALG.A.P. North America (GGNA).
28 June 2023
Biosecurity assessment tool reduces antimicrobial use in pig and broiler production
This project was developed to discover ways to reduce antimicrobial use in pig and broiler production in China and Europe by improving animal husbandry, feeding, and watering practices, all while maintaining productivity.
21 June 2023
Stricter social criteria: the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice v2
GRASP has been significantly revised and has been made stricter, also with regard to several criteria already covered by the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard.
17 May 2023
Change in management at FoodPLUS GmbH
Managing directors Elmé Coetzer-Boersma and Markus Philipp, both appointed in 2021, will remain in their roles after Kristian Moeller’s departure.
31 March 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. at Sedex: the power of collaboration to drive sustainability
The recent XPLORE Sustainability conference was a chance for supply chain stakeholders to share insights on latest challenges in the sustainability landscape.
31 March 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. celebrates equity in agriculture on International Women's Day 2023
Women from across GLOBALG.A.P. took a moment at International Women’s Day to reflect on what gender equity means to them in the context of our mission.
22 March 2023
World Water Day 2023: a call to “accelerate change”
Stakeholders and leaders at the United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference discussed progress toward the goals of the international decade of action.
09 February 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. presents new sustainability solutions at Fruit Logistica 2023
GLOBALG.A.P. experts at Fruit Logistica presented the company’s updated farm assurance products for the fresh produce industry.
29 September 2022
New GLOBALG.A.P. trademarks policy document takes effect
In order to ensure that the GLOBALG.A.P. trademarks are not misused or misrepresented, and thereby protect brand integrity, the new policy was introduced.
29 September 2022
GLOBALG.A.P. on sustainability panel at Fruit Attraction’s Biofruit Congress
GLOBALG.A.P. is a sponsor of the Biofruit Congress taking place from 4–6 October at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Spain.
31 August 2022
GLOBALG.A.P. at Fruit Attraction once more
With over 90,000 visitors expected this year, Fruit Attraction is one of the biggest dates in the calendar for those in the fruit and vegetables trade.