The code of conduct underlines our commitment to our core values. It determines our daily work, the way we communicate and act within the company and with our stakeholders.

1. Company Principles

  • We commit to economic, social, and ecological responsibility in all our actions.
  • As a global company, we respect all cultures and traditions. Collaboration is independent of gender, skin color, religion, culture, education, social background, sexual orientation, or nationality.
  • Fairness and honesty are the key attitudes towards everybody in the company. We respect and support each other.
  • Compliments, recognition, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback define our daily work and company climate. A key part of our company is trust.
  • Compliance with legal regulations, contracts, and internal guidelines is a given.

2. Management Culture

  • An open-minded and creative culture characterizes all our actions.
  • We enable our employees* to work responsibly and successfully in our company, and we support their development.
  • We as managers are aware that each of us is responsible for making our company’s management principles come alive.

3. Management Principles

  • We engage in dialogue with our employees to specify targets, define clear tasks, and create areas of responsibility.
  • We trust that our employees will complete their tasks in the best way possible and will develop ideas that bring the company forward.
  • We talk with one another and support direct, honest, and prompt communication.
  • We keep our agreements and are trustworthy partners of our employees.
  • We give every employee regular feedback regarding their performance and behavior.
  • We evaluate our employees in an objective and appropriate way. Together with our employees, we identify potential room for improvement.
  • We are reliable, honest, and loyal – particularly in situations of crisis and conflict.
  • We are open-minded regarding a continuously changing framework with the target of supporting innovation and improvements within the company.

4. Principles

Related to Our Customers

  • We care about our customers and connect with them. They are at the center of our activities, and we prioritize working as a team to help them reach their goals.
  • We are professional and positive in our approach, taking pride in what we do.
  • We treat our customers in a friendly, respectful, and honest way.
  • We communicate knowledgeably, clearly, and correctly.
  • We deliver up-to-date and complete information. Customers know that they can expect this.
  • We are helpful and courteous in delivering high-quality services.
  • We are effective and active in listening to our customers when they express dissatisfaction or have complaints.

Related to Our Members

  • We are a member organization. Not only are our members our main customers and business partners; they also share our vision. They are our supporting community and build the base of our global network. 
  • We offer benefits and services to our members. We treat each member equally and offer the same level of service to each member.
  • We are as transparent as possible to our members and regularly inform them about our activities.

Related to Our Employees

  • We are an attractive and valued employer.
  • We use a professional selection procedure and the four-eye-principle with the involvement of the direct superior to make decisions about staffing.
  • We are well-prepared whenever we welcome new employees on their first working day.
  • We ensure that as much as possible, working conditions allow a balance between professional, family, and leisure life.
  • We adequately remunerate the performance and commitment of our employees with respect to their position and to the job market.
  • We conduct regular talks about performance, behavior, and development with every employee.
  • We support our employees in their technical, vocational, and personal development.
  • If we have to part with an employee, we act in a fair and respectful manner.

Related to Our Business Partners

  • We deal with our business partners in a respectful and cooperative way.
  • We jointly develop a clearly defined scope of performance with our business partners to avoid misunderstandings and a lack of clarity. We also monitor compliance with agreed targets.
  • We keep our agreements and strive to be perceived as a reliable partner. We expect the same from our business partners.
  • We support the creativity of our business partners, with the goal of improving and optimizing our products and services.
  • Gifts, hospitality, or any other benefits are only acceptable if reasonable, cashless, low in value, and in accordance with local laws and customs.

Related to the Certification Bodies (CBs)

  • Certification bodies (CBs) are responsible for delivering the GLOBALG.A.P. products and are therefore the most valued business partners of GLOBALG.A.P.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. sets certain requirements and rules that are unanimously applied to all CBs.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. provides those tools, materials, national interpretation guidelines trainings, and information that are necessary for fulfilling those requirements and rules in order to optimally function as a GLOBALG.A.P.approved CB.
  • A CB may become an associate member. The membership benefits and additional services are listed and clearly defined.
  • Once approved and accredited, GLOBALG.A.P. does not prefer any CB over or against any other approved and accredited CB.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. provides the same business information to all CBs and obeys confidentially restrictions as defined in the license and certification agreement that is signed between GLOBALG.A.P. and the CB.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. facilitates the commercial activities of the CB on request to the extent that doing so does not endanger its impartiality.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. operates the Certification Body Committee (CBC) that is open to each member CB to provide a forum where the interests of the CBs are represented.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. and the CBs shall act jointly to safeguard the integrity and reputation of both parties in the event of accusations, allegations, claims, crisis, or any similar event.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. shall not disclose any information to the CB or about a CB that is false or misleading, whether by statement or omission.
  • GLOBALG.A.P. shall always act in accordance with its duties and responsibilities and shall work in a manner that will not hinder the operation of CBs.

*Note: The word “employee” here includes not only internal staff, but also freelancers and contracted consultants.

GLOBALG.A.P. Code of Conduct V2.3; English Version
Publication Date: 09/08/2019