Which data is collected?

The IDA module applies to farm metrics which many producers already collect, via a FMS or other methods. This information can be used to improve farm processes by equipping producers with information that supports decision making and drives continuous improvement.

For flowers and ornamentals, the relevant data is related to:

• Plant protection products

• Fertilizer application (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium contents)

• Water use

• Energy efficiency

How does the IDA module audit work?

The annual IDA module audit confirms that the producer is recording and submitting relevant and accurate data via the FMS.

• After sharing data for a minimum of six consecutive months, producers can be audited against the IDA module by a GLOBALG.A.P. approved CB of their choice.

• IDA compliance is audited annually by an accredited and independent third-party CBs.

• Producers can choose from any GLOBALG.A.P. approved CB/VB active in the relevant country.

• A successful CB/VB audit results in a letter of conformance valid for one year which may be used to meet buyer requirements.

The module is composed of principles and criteria (P&Cs). P&Cs are graded in two levels: Major Must and Recommendation.

Principles 

• Fundamentals that set the foundation of a GLOBALG.A.P. requirement 

• Written in statement form 

• Describe the outcome to be achieved in the corresponding criteria 

Criteria 

• Methods that producers can use to demonstrate a principle to be true 

• Compliance can be demonstrated in different ways, e.g., data, record of procedure 

• Evidence must demonstrate that the outcome is achieved 

Read more about the audit process and module requirements.

How is conformance status verified?

Every producer registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. certification system is assigned a 13-digit GLOBALG.A.P. identification number (e.g., a GLOBALG.A.P. Number (GGN)). This number allows real-time verification of conformance status in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT platform, upholding our rigorous transparency requirements throughout the supply chain.

In order to maintain a valid letter of conformance, the producer must continue sharing data for all relevant metrics on a monthly basis. If the data is not shared with GLOBALG.A.P. by the 25th of the following month, the producer receives a warning notification from their CB. After the third warning notification, the product is suspended until the gap in the data is closed. This process is handled via your chosen CB.

Producers can control data access and privacy rights for audit reports, and the reports are not shared publicly or with third parties.

Which industry challenges does the IDA module address?

• The floriculture sector depends on a variety of resources, both natural and synthetic, for their production.

• With global climate goals in mind, there is growing pressure on growers to minimize their consumption of inputs such as plant protection products, fertilizers, water, and energy.

• To demonstrate commitment to more sustainable farm-level practices, producers need to show proof of their continuous, measurable efforts to optimize environmental metrics.

• Data records enable producers to observe trends, evaluate performance, and correlate productivity and environmental impact.

• The IDA module provides further insights for continuous improvement via historical trend graphs for the sector, for the individual producer, and anonymous peer comparison reports.

• Practical information formed of aggregated farm data can equip producers with the knowledge they need to measure themselves and adapt where possible.

Follow our five steps to conformance to get started today.

Implementation and CB audit process

How does the audit process work?

• After sharing data for a minimum of six consecutive months via an approved farm management software (FMS), producers can be audited against the IDA module by a GLOBALG.A.P. approved CB of their choice.

• Producers can choose from any GLOBALG.A.P. approved CB active in the relevant country.

• A successful CB audit results in a letter of conformance valid for one year. In order to maintain a valid letter of conformance, the producer must continue sharing data for all relevant metrics on a monthly basis.

• The CB is responsible for uploading the audit report and maintaining the accuracy of producer data in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

• Producers will be audited annually by a CB as part of the renewal process.

Which documents are required?

• GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations specifications: Rules that define how the audit process works, from the scope of the module to the audit requirements.

• Principles and criteria (P&Cs): Principles are the fundamental requirements for each standard or add-on. They describe the outcome to achieve and are accompanied by corresponding criteria that detail the various ways in which a producer can demonstrate compliance.

• Checklist: The full list of P&Cs as used by CB auditors, enabling producers to conduct a self-assessment in preparation for the CB audit.

Which version of the IDA module is currently valid?

The IDA module is currently valid for flowers and ornamentals in v1.1.

It was published on 16 December 2024 and replaced v1 on 1 April 2025.

The FAQ contains more information on documents, the renewal process, and more.

How much does an IDA module audit cost?

Each farm is unique, and the total audit costs depend on a combination of factors such as farm size, number of sites, location, necessary preparation measures (such as establishing new procedures), and more. The IDA module contains four cost elements:

1. FMS license fee: Determined and invoiced by the chosen software provider required for the IDA module

2. Implementation costs: Incurred by the producer to prepare for the CB audit

3. CB service fees: Determined and invoiced by the CB to cover audit time and travel costs

4. GLOBALG.A.P. fee: Calculated based on farm size and invoiced by the CB

The GLOBALG.A.P. fee table contains full information on the fee structure for each standard and add-on.