GLOBALG.A.P. secures a continuity option for the IFA livestock scope

Since the announcement of the discontinuation of the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard for livestock in June 2022, GLOBALG.A.P. has been working to identify a similar certification scheme to support livestock stakeholders during the transition process. GLOBALG.A.P. can now confirm that a continuity plan is being developed together with DEFHESA – an association of companies and professionals that represents all stages of the livestock supply chain and promotes the sustainable production of livestock in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Safe and responsible animal production since 2005

The first GLOBALG.A.P. standard for livestock was published more than 15 years ago. Since then, the solution has expanded to include a wide range of product categories, from pigs, cattle and sheep, and dairy to poultry, turkey, and calves and young beef.

The standard addresses the most relevant aspects of animal production and welfare, responding to both the requirements of the supply chain and the interests of consumers. GLOBALG.A.P. livestock certification has gained trust and recognition in national and international markets and has successfully contributed to the promotion of the safe and responsible production of animals on a global scale – with over 1.8 million metric tons of livestock being produced in certified production processes in 20 countries.

Despite this success, market analysis conducted during the IFA v6 revision process suggested that IFA for livestock was unlikely to become the global mainstream and reference standard in this sector. This is essential for achieving our main objective of harmonizing standards and driving down costs by eliminating duplication.

Transition plan confirmed with DEFHESA

GLOBALG.A.P. understands the importance of assurance for the farms and operations whose production processes are currently certified to IFA. In June 2022, a continuity plan was initiated to identify a similar scheme that offers certification based on the key principles of IFA.

GLOBALG.A.P. can now announce the decision to connect producers and livestock stakeholders via the initiative offered by DEFHESA – an association of companies and professionals representing all stages of the livestock supply chain. DEFHESA aims to promote the sustainable production of livestock in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

DEFHESA will facilitate the transition to the new system for those producers interested in continuing with the certification of their production processes beyond 2023. This plan will be communicated by GLOBALG.A.P. and DEFHESA in the coming months.