EurepGAP
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EurepGAP (GAP is an acronym for Good Agricultural Practices) began life in the late 1990's as a common standard of farm management created by technical representatives of several European supermarket chains, with inputs from major suppliers. The aim of all concerned was to eliminate the increasing multiplication of overlapping supplier standards published by different retailers that was creating problems for farmers. It is now the most widely implemented farm certification scheme worldwide. Most European customers for agricultural products now demand evidence of certification as a prerequisite for doing business.
The standard was developed using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ( HACCP ) guidelines published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and is governed according to the ISO Guide 65 for certifications schemes.[citation needed] Unlike other farm certification schemes it has definitive rules for growers to follow, and each production unit is assessed by independent third party auditors. These auditors work for commercial certification companies who are licensed by the EurepGAP secretariat to conduct audits and award certificates where merited.
EUREPGAP in September 2007 changed its title and logo to GLOBALGAP. The decision was taken to reflect its expanding international role in establishing Good Agricultural Practices mutually agreed between multiple retailers and their suppliers.
