GLOBALG.A.P. certification is a widely recognized assurance program for primary production that supports food safety, sustainability, and responsible farming practices.
It is commonly required by retailers, food service operators, and brand owners sourcing fresh produce, aquaculture, and other agricultural products.
QIMA is an approved, independent certification body providing GLOBALG.A.P. certification services worldwide.
Why GLOBALG.A.P. Certification Matters
GLOBALG.A.P. certification helps producers and supply chain partners demonstrate:
Compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (G.A.P.)
Structured management offood safety and farm‑level risks
Alignment withretailer and buyer sourcing requirements
Improved transparency across primary production operations
Certification provides buyers with assurance that production systems are controlled, documented, and regularly verified.
How GLOBALG.A.P. Certification Works
GLOBALG.A.P. is a private assurance program, not a regulatory authority. Certification follows a defined structure.
Standard and Scope Selection
GLOBALG.A.P. certification applies to different scopes, including:
Crops (e.g., fruits and vegetables)
Aquaculture
Livestock (where applicable)
The applicable standard and scope depend on the production activity and buyer requirements.
Option Type (Individual or Group)
Producers are certified under:
Option 1– Individual producer
Option 2– Producer group with a Quality Management System (QMS)
Auditors evaluate conformity based on the selected option.
Certification Audit
An approved GLOBALG.A.P. auditor evaluates whether:
Applicable control points and compliance criteria are met
Risk assessments are documented and implemented
Records demonstrate the effective operation of the system
Legal, food safety, and environmental requirements are addressed
Audits are conducted on‑site in line with GLOBALG.A.P. rules.
Nonconformities and Certification Decision
Nonconformities are documented where applicable
Corrective actions are reviewed within defined timelines
Certification decisions are made following an independent technical review
Why Choose QIMA for GLOBALG.A.P. Certification?
Protect your certifications and market access with one partner across food safety, organic, and sustainability
Responsive, expert support throughout your certification journey, trusted by clients with a 72 NPS
Manage your certification journey in myQIMA, from application and audits to renewal
Reduce audit fatigue with combined audits that save time and cost
Pay faster with QIMA Click & Pay, using instant quotes and secure online payments to keep audits and certification timelines on track
Core Assurance Programs
Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA)
Applies to primary production activities such as crops, aquaculture, and livestock (where applicable). Auditors evaluate compliance with food safety, environmental, and worker welfare control points defined in the IFA standard.
Add‑On Assurance Programs
Add‑ons extend the core IFA certification to address specific buyer, market, or sustainability requirements. Add‑ons are audited according to GLOBALG.A.P. rules and scope eligibility.
GRASP (Risk Assessment on Social Practice) evaluates social practices at the farm level, including worker health, safety, and welfare.
SPRING (Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater Use) focuses on responsible water use, irrigation management, and groundwater protection.
Chain Coverage and Post‑Farm Assurance
These programs support product integrity beyond the farm, covering handling and traceability activities.
Chain of Custody (CoC) verifies identification, segregation, and traceability of GLOBALG.A.P.‑certified products through the supply chain.
Produce Handling Assurance (PHA) covers food safety, hygiene, and traceability controls for post‑harvest produce handling operations.
How These Services Fit Together
IFA provides the core farm‑level assurance
Add‑ons address targeted buyers or sustainability requirements
Chain coverage programs protect integrity after harvest
Not all services apply to all operations. Applicability depends on scope, activity, and customer requirements.
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MyQIMA: Your GLOBALG.A.P. Certification Dashboard
Gain full visibility and control over your certification journey with MyQIMA. Track audit milestones in real time, access reports and documents, receive proactive alerts, and manage corrective actions — all in one secure portal.
FAQ About GLOBALG.A.P. Certification
How often are GLOBALG.A.P. audits conducted?
GLOBALG.A.P. certification requires annual audits. Additional audits may apply depending on the option type and risk profile.
Can GLOBALG.A.P. certification include add‑ons?
Yes. Add‑ons such as GRASP or SPRING may be audited alongside the core standard, subject to program rules and scope eligibility.
Can I transfer my GLOBALG.A.P. certificate to QIMA?
In many cases, yes—provided the certificate is valid, and audit history meets GLOBALG.A.P. transfer requirements.
How long does a GLOBALG.A.P. certification take?
Timelines vary depending on:
Scope and option type
Size and complexity of the operation
Readiness of documentation and records
Most certifications are completed within a few months of application.