What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards provide a tool to producers to support the implementation of procedures for the identification and mitigation of farm-level food safety risks that are potentially introduced during the production and handling processes. 

How we address it: Our standards include criteria on the identification of risks and controllable elements as part of a hazard and risk management system (based on the Codex Alimentarius designed Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system). 

• Regarding people, this includes requirements on worker competency (e.g., technical advisors, subcontractors, and farm employees) relating to the production and handling of products, training on procedures for biosecurity and chemical handling, and the monitoring of personal health, hygiene, and protective clothing. 

• Regarding premises, this includes requirements on the implementation of a food defense system (e.g., secure storage and transport), the maintenance of site structures and the local environment to prevent contamination (e.g., foreign materials, fields and greenhouses), the provision of clean sanitary facilities for employees (e.g., toilets and handwashing), the utilization of suitable water sources (e.g., those in contact with the product), and the management of waste and pests. 

• Regarding production activities, this includes requirements on the control of equipment (e.g., measuring and monitoring devices), the evaluation and approval of suppliers and their materials and services performance (e.g., manure and fertilizers), the observation of registered preharvest intervals (e.g., for plant protection products), the appropriate storage of harvested/packed products, the implementation of labeling processes as part of a traceability system, and the implementation of a risk-based biosecurity plan. 

• Regarding products, materials, and inputs, this includes requirements on the segregation of non-conforming products (e.g., the appropriate redirection to a suitable end use or safe disposal), the maintenance of storage areas (e.g., for water and chemicals), and the use of fit-for-purpose equipment in contact with the product (e.g., tools and containers). 

Why we address it: Safe food is vital for the health and well-being of consumers. Primary production areas are not a controlled environment, and there are activities and influences that could potentially affect food safety. Risk management systems are therefore designed to identify and support the mitigation of points in the production and handling processes where hazards may occur. 

Standards which include criteria on the mitigation of risks introduced by people, premises, production activities, and products/materials: 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for aquaculture 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for hops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for combinable crops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for plant propagation material 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for tea 

• Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) 

• Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) 

• Crops for Processing (CfP) 

• Compound Feed Manufacturing (CFM) 

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart for fruit and vegetables

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture

What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards seek to guide producers on the implementation and maintenance of management system elements which are also designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement at farm level. 

How we address it: Our standards include criteria on the adoption of document and record control procedures, the implementation of an annual self-assessment (internal audit) including corrective actions to address non-conformances, the implementation of a training program for workers with assigned tasks (e.g., chemical handling, product handling), the implementation of procedures for the management of complaints and serious incidents, and the creation of a food safety policy declaration that supports communication, resource management, objective tracking, and more. 

Why we address it: Management systems are essential to support the identification and control of all relevant food safety risks at the relevant steps throughout the production process. Contact and communication, e.g., with suppliers of materials and services required for the production, assist in clarifying supplier requirements and product specifications. An effectively implemented food safety management system can support the identification and mitigation of potential risks. The implementation of a continuous improvement plan encourages measurable target setting that helps producers to improve the efficiency of their food safety and other operations. 

Standards which include criteria on the implementation of management systems and *a continuous improvement plan: 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables* 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for aquaculture* 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for hops* 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for combinable crops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for tea 

• Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) 

• Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) 

• Crops for Processing (CfP) 

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart for fruit and vegetables 

See also: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture (section AQ 15.01) 

What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards aim to support a risk-based product safety approach that grounds the development and implementation of operational plans and systems on respective farm-level risk assessments. 

How we address it: Our standards include criteria on a risk assessment designed to identify potential threats to product safety as a prerequisite starting point for the development of the required food defense and food fraud plans. This also covers aspects such as hygiene procedures (at all stages of the production process), site management (e.g., land used for production, site history, impact of proposed activities), allergen management (e.g., potential allergen-containing materials that might be produced, handled, or stored on site), and water management (e.g., identification of water sources, associated risks to product, and thresholds for water quality). 

Why we address it: Risk assessments can help producers to improve awareness and uncover risks that may not have been previously addressed. They are especially imperative to identify and mitigate potential hazards that might be unique to a specific production process or site. Accurate risk assessments support the development of accurate management plans and systems that are fit for purpose and less prescriptive. 

Standards which include criteria on utilizing a risk-based approach: 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for aquaculture 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for hops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for combinable crops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for tea 

• Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) 

• Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) 

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart for fruit and vegetables

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture

What we claim: GLOBALG.A.P. standards are designed to incorporate the verification of crucial food safety parameters and provide guidance on the reliability and effectiveness of relevant testing activities. 

How we address it: Our standards include criteria on the assessment on subcontractors (e.g., outsourced activities and processes) to ensure compliance with the relevant standard requirements, the annual verification of the traceability system and recall and withdrawal system, the calibration of farm equipment (e.g., plant protection product application devices) to verify accurate operation, the analysis of water sources (e.g., for water quality parameters) in line with the water risk assessment, the analysis of product for maximum residue levels (MRLs), and the implementation of a microbial environmental monitoring program to verify the effectiveness of cleaning procedures and identify sources of potential contamination in the site environment (e.g., in water, air, surfaces). For some standards, testing/analysis via laboratory services is required to confirm product/material safety. Based on the risk and specific testing required, we provide guidance on what is to be considered (e.g., reference to industry requirements, participation in proficiency testing, recognition of standards for laboratory practices). 

Why we address it: Verification programs can help to confirm the effectiveness of the management plans and controls that are implemented to mitigate potential risks. These programs form part of the Codex HACCP approach that supports our standards. Testing procedures, such as those for MRLs, monitor that the use of plant protection products does not exceed recognized safe levels and therefore supports the safeguarding of consumer health. 

Standards which include criteria on verification and testing: 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for aquaculture 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for hops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for combinable crops 

• Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for tea 

• Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) 

• Harmonized Produce Safety Standard (HPSS) 

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart for fruit and vegetables

Source: Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart/GFS for aquaculture