Image of a floriculture producer displaying potted flowers in a garden center

Primary solution

Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability module

The Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability (IDA) module assists flower and ornamental producers with the digital registration and analysis of their environmental sustainability data. It is a standalone standard for producers who do not have another form of GLOBALG.A.P. certification.

Target sustainability through impact-driven farming

What is the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability module?

The Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability (IDA) module facilitates the digital registration of input consumption data and sustainability metrics, as well as the creation of anonymized comparison reports of peer producers with similar production conditions. Connected to an established farm management software, the IDA module enables producers to transform the information into records that can track progress, guide optimization efforts, and demonstrate sustainability credentials.

IDA module at a glance

Metrics 1, Metrics, measurability, monitoring, identification, optimization, continuous improvement, impact-driven, IDA
Tracks sustainability data

and identifies areas for improvement

FMS 1, Farm management system, FMS, software, platform, environmental monitoring, performance
Works with a farm management software

that is GLOBALG.A.P. approved and chosen by the producer

Certificate 1, Certificate, GLOBALG.A.P., accreditation
Results in a letter of conformance

to demonstrate the implementation of sustainability practices

Metrics 2, Metrics, measurability, monitoring, identification, optimization, continuous improvement, plants, IDA
Provides anonymized comparison

reports of peer producers from aggregated data, supporting current performance insights

Metrics 4, Metrics, measurability, monitoring, identification, optimization, continuous improvement, flowers, IDA
Supports flower and ornamental producers

with metric-based farm management

Certificate 3, Standalone solution
A standalone solution

which does not require an existing GLOBALG.A.P. certificate

Image of farm workers harvesting flowers in a field

Who should use the IDA module?

The IDA module is applicable to flower and ornamental production processes only.

It is intended for producers who are not yet registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. certification system for another solution. For producers who already hold certification to Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for flowers and ornamentals), the IDA add-on offers the same benefits but in a format which can be combined with the IFA audit.

The IDA module is available for producers of all sizes, whether small-scale or large groups, and producers can get audited in any country where a GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body (CB) conducts audits.

Farm management software and the IDA module

Farm management software is becoming increasingly prevalent as digitalization spreads within the farming sector. It is used to manage farm operations and production processes, and now also to send the relevant data to the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

Producers wishing to implement the IDA module must use a GLOBALG.A.P. approved farm management software provider to ensure that it is compatible with the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

Which data is collected?

The IDA module applies to sustainability metrics which many producers already collect, via a farm management software or other methods. It can improve farm sustainability by equipping producers with information that 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

Infographic showing the five-step process of the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability

How the IDA module works

  1. Data collection
    Each month, producers share their input consumption data via a compatible farm management software. This record-keeping procedure is audited annually at farm level by a CB.

  2. Data transfer
    The data collected in step 1 is sent to the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems via an API connection.

  3. Data aggregation
    The GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems pool the data and return anonymized, aggregated data to the producer’s farm management software (all data that the farm management software shares with the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat is treated confidentially).

  4. Data reporting
    The farm management software creates historical trend graphs and anonymized comparison reports of peer producers (producers in the same region, producing the same crop or aquaculture product in the same conditions). These reports are returned to the producers.

  5. Data interpretation
    Producers use the reports to inform decision-making and improve their farm’s efficiency and their environmental credentials.

Discover how the IDA module helps you address sector challenges.

Infographic showing examples of Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability peer comparison reports

What do comparison reports of peer producers look like?

The farm management software will provide producers with comparison reports which have been created from the aggregated and anonymized data from similar producers as shared with the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat. The design of these may vary since they are created by the chosen farm management software, but the examples below offer an idea of how they display data.

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 farm management software.

  • 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 or demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

The module is composed of control points and compliance criteria (CPCCs). CPCCs are graded in two levels: Major Must and Recommendation.

Control points

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

  • Written in question form

Compliance criteria

  • Methods that producers can use to demonstrate a control point to be true

  • Evidence required for demonstrating 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 systems, 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 the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat 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.

Latest news

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Learn from valuable insights and strengthen your sustainability credentials

Why choose the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability module?

The Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability (IDA) module supports producers on their sustainability journey by turning environmental metrics into practical information that can drive continuous improvement. The resulting letter of conformance from an IDA audit can provide necessary evidence of sustainability efforts and is recognized by the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI)’s “Basket of standards”. The IDA module is a standalone primary solution, representing an option for producers without existing certification.

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 pesticides, fertilizers, water, and energy.

  • To demonstrate commitment to sustainability, producers need to show proof of their continuous, measurable efforts to optimize farm 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.

Image of flower and ornamental producers in a field

What are the benefits for producers?

  • Choose a solution recognized by the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative’s (FSI) Basket of Standards (Environmental basket).

  • Track input consumption and other environmental metrics to increase awareness of your long-term environmental performance.

  • Gain insights via historical trend graphs and comparison reports of peer producers, which enable you to optimize your production processes over time and support decision-making.

  • Work to minimize your input consumption levels which may reduce the financial burden and strengthen your position in the market.

  • Rest assured that your individual and identifiable data is not shared with other parties and your sustainability efforts are not scored or ranked publicly against other producers.

  • Benefit from an environmental record-keeping system via a standalone module – no prior certification is required.

  • Freely choose your farm management software (from a list of approved providers) and certification body (CB) in the open market.

  • Prepare for the future of metric-based certification schemes and footprint calculations with digital sustainability data.

Image of a worker in a greenhouse displaying potted flowers

What are the benefits for supply chain stakeholders?

  • Ensure producers have sustainability performance data in digital form and can share it with the supply chain, if needed.

  • Enable comparisons between peer producers to incentivize performance improvements that level up the sector as a whole.

  • Benefit from transparency through real-time validation of conformance status via GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.

  • Contribute to global environmental goals by supporting a network of producers who are committed to continuous improvement in environmental sustainability.

  • Choose a solution recognized by the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative’s (FSI) Basket of Standards (Environmental basket).

Image of producers receiving a farm tour during a capacity-building training program

GLOBALG.A.P. capacity building

Need assistance with the implementation process? Our capacity-building program offers a range of options for training, consultation, and more!

Your guide to implementation

How to prepare for an Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability module audit

Learn more about the key documents and fee structure of the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability (IDA) module. Follow our five steps to the IDA module for an overview of the audit process, and find a GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body (CB) in your area to get started.

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, 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.

  • Control points and compliance criteria (CPCCs): Control points are the fundamental requirements for each standard or add-on. They are written in question form and are accompanied by corresponding compliance criteria that detail the various ways in which a producer can demonstrate compliance.

  • Checklist: The full list of CPCCs 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.

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

Image of a certification body auditor inspecting flower production in a field

What are the IDA module requirements?

CPCCs are graded in two levels: Major Must and Recommendation.

  • To pass a CB audit, producers must comply with 100% of the Major Musts:

  • Corrective actions must be proposed for all non-compliances and submitted to the CB within the specified period.

  • Non-compliances must then be verified as corrected and compliant by the CB before a letter of conformance can be issued.

  • 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 the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat 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.

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. Farm management software license fee: Determined and invoiced by the chosen farm management 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. system participation 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.

Five steps to the IDA module

Key documents

The three most relevant documents are linked below. Click ‘view more’ to see further related documents. Remember to always check with your CB that you have all necessary documents prior to audit.

IDA module

Rules and regulations

V1.1

English | Last updated: 18/10/2024

pdf

Rules and regulations define how a specific standard must be implemented – from the certification scope to the audit requirements for certification bodies.

IDA module

Principles and criteria (P&Cs) (CPCCs)

V1.1

English | Last updated: 18/10/2024

pdf

Principles and criteria are a complete list of the requirements for a given standard or add-on. The foundational requirements each detail an outcome that must be achieved, and the corresponding ways in which compliance can be demonstrated.

IDA module

Checklists

V1

English | Last updated: 28/08/2024

xlsx

Checklists are documents containing standard/add-on principles and criteria which are used during the audit/assessment to check whether compliance is achieved. They may also be used to conduct self-assessments.

GLOBALG.A.P. approved CBs

The list of GLOBALG.A.P. approved CBs can be filtered by region, country, scope, and status. Click a CB to find more information and contact details.

If you do not filter your search, or filter only according to region and/or country, your search results will also show CBs that offer certification against benchmarked schemes, but which may not have approval for any GLOBALG.A.P. standards and add-ons.

1 - 15 of 193

CERTIPAQ

Country

Head office:

France

Status

Approved

Rating

4.19

CTR Uluslararası Belgelendirme ve Denetim Ltd. Şti.

Country

Head office:

Turkey

Status

Approved

Rating

Pending

Green Certificaciones e Inspecciones S.C.

Country

Head office:

Mexico

Status

Provisionally approved

Rating

Pending

Bureau Veritas Certification Denmark A/S

Country

Head office:

Denmark

Status

Approved

Rating

3.88

UK Food Certification Ltd

Country

Head office:

United Kingdom

Status

Approved

Rating

Pending

1st Solution Certification USA, Inc.

Country

Head office:

United States of America

Status

Approved

Rating

Pending

AGROCOLOR S.L.

Country

Head office:

Spain

Status

Approved

Rating

3.8

Eurofins Assurance Vietnam Limited Liability Company

Country

Head office:

Viet Nam

Status

Approved

Rating

3.96

SGS Italia S.p.A.

Country

Head office:

Italy

Status

Approved

Rating

3.51

Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association

Country

Head office:

Japan

Status

Approved

Rating

4.04

4PLUS INGENIEROS Y ARQUITECTOS S.L

Country

Head office:

Spain

Status

Approved

Rating

4.45

ABCERT AG

Country

Head office:

Germany

Branches:

Czech Republic

Italy

Status

Approved

Rating

3.99

ACERTA Certificación, S.L.

Country

Head office:

Spain

Branches:

Morocco

Status

Approved

Rating

4.14

Acoura Marine Ltd. trading as LRQA

Country

Head office:

United Kingdom

Status

Approved

Rating

3.98

AFRICERT LTD

Country

Head office:

Kenya

Status

Approved

Rating

3.78

Yellow Card sanction according to GR v6, Rules for Certification Bodies, 11.3.

Upcoming events

12 Nov - 20 Dec

2024

Your chance to contribute to the new environmental sustainability solution

Location: Online
Event type: Public consultation
Event format: Virtual

Plants
Core solutions
Add-ons to core solutions
Environment

20 Nov

2024

Flowers and Ornamentals Focus Group meeting

Location: Online
Event type: Meeting
Event format: Virtual

Flowers and ornamentals

GLOBALG.A.P. approved farm management software providers

Filter the list below to find compatible FMS providers approved for the Impact-Driven Approach to Sustainability (IDA). 

1 - 9 of 9

Fresh Info bv: Operating under name of GreenlinQdata

Solution name

GQ-data

Approved for

Impact Driven Approach (IDA)

Languages available

German

Dutch

English

Spanish

Italian

Agrifirm NWE

Solution name

GMN Crop

Approved for

Impact Driven Approach (IDA)

Languages available

Dutch

Farm Manager

Solution name

Manage all farm activities and products in one place, achieve higher profitability while maintaining Food Safety standards

Approved for

Impact Driven Approach (IDA)

Languages available

English

Hebrew

Spanish

Portuguese

Dutch

AKOLogic Solutions ltd

Solution name

AKOLogic

Approved for

Impact Driven Approach (IDA)

Languages available

English

Dutch

Spanish

French

Portuguese

Russian

Chinese

Hebrew

Thai

Serbian

Arabic

German

Management Technology Consulting (MTC)

Solution name

MTC

Approved for

CB-AT

Languages available

English

Azzule Systems

Solution name

Azzule Auditing Software

Approved for

Audit Online Hub (AOH)

Languages available

English

Spanish

ZERTIC

Solution name

ZERTIC

Approved for

Audit Online Hub (AOH)

Languages available

English

QLBS.com Limited

Solution name

QuantumLeap

Approved for

Audit Online Hub (AOH)

Languages available

English

Intact

Solution name

Intact Platform

Approved for

Audit Online Hub (AOH)

Languages available

English

A brief history of the IDA module

2020

The first IDA module is published in 2020 for the floriculture sector only. It offers a metrics-based and outcome-oriented solution in response to market demand for environmental registration solutions in the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative’s “Basket of standards”.

2021

The IDA module requires time for producers to adapt and begin entering data for a minimum of six months before the CB audit. The first producer is audited in April 2021 and by the end of the year, four producers undergo an IDA audit in two countries.

2022

Revision of the IDA module begins – this will eventually form the basis for v2.

FAQ

Image of a customer support agent advising a stakeholder

Contact us

For technical/interpretation questions, please contact us at standard_support@globalgap.org.

For questions about the audit process or GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems, please contact us at customer_support@globalgap.org.