GAP CERTIFICATE (GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES)
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) was established in 1990 by the association of European market chains and suppliers (EUREP). Initially it was named EUREGAP, later it was called Global Gap. It has become one of the most common agricultural Certificate programs in the world. Basic issues of the standard; Food Safety, Environmental Protection, Occupational Health, Safety and Animal Welfare. The purpose of these practices is defined as the processes that should be applied to make the agricultural production system socially viable, economically profitable and efficient, protecting human health, giving importance to animal health and welfare and the environment.
With this system, agricultural products can be grown in healthier environmental and climatic conditions. There is no harmful microbe, poison etc. in the products of farmers who produce within the framework of good agricultural practices. there is no. This enables people to consume healthier products and prevents any disease transmission from food products.
Since Good Agricultural Practices are based on quality production, occupational safety and hygienic conditions in post-production processes, we can say that it is intertwined with the following standards.
* ISO 9001 Quality Management System
* ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
* OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
What are the Benefits of the GAP Certificate?
* Indicates that during the production, the agricultural legislation of the country where the consumer is located and the agricultural legislation of the country where the product is grown.
* Increases the reliability, quality and value of the manufacturer´s product.
* Production amount and quality losses are prevented.
* Exporters will overcome non-tariff barriers with this application.
* With the application, exporters reach wider markets.
* They earn more income due to increased demand, with the traceability of the product and the reduction of health risks.
* A sustainable production that takes responsibility for the environment, and a production aimed at the protection of natural life and biological diversity.
* It helps to reduce the harmful effects of agriculture on the environment.
* A protective management plan is implemented.
* Reduces the risks related to food safety and human health.
* Provides traceability about the source of the product.
* Provides quality and reliability in the product.
* Demands of consumers regarding food quality and safety are met successfully.
Good Agricultural Practices provide many benefits not only for consumers but also for producers. It is possible for the farmers who implement these practices to make their production processes more efficient and safer. In addition, with the traceability and recording requirements of good agricultural practices, producers can produce more controlled, fast and easy.
Good Agricultural Practices Certification Process
Certification of agricultural products according to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) conditions according to the regulation on Good Agriculture and Practices within the scope of Good Agricultural Practices of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is carried out by private and independent certification bodies with the authority given by the Ministry. Some customers who buy agricultural products may, in some cases, want to see the production facilities and processes of the people or institutions that produce these products closely. In this context, when production is made in line with these applications, supermarket, dealer, etc. Being prepared for the audits of customers or intermediary institutions such as. The enterprise to be audited must have a legal personality that the producer of the group defines itself. The group must have established and implemented a quality management system developed for good agricultural practices.
If we list the process of obtaining the GAP Certificate in items;
* If there is no system installed in the enterprise, System Quality Documentation consultancy is taken. (The company can carry out these studies through the consultant firm or within the company itself.)
* If the organization is ready for inspection, the certification body is applied.
* Offer is received.
* After the bid is signed, an audit contract is made.
* The audit date is planned.
* Documents are checked.
* Field inspection is done.
* If there is no deficiency, the audit report is submitted for certification approval. (If there are any deficiencies, time is given to cover the deficiencies.)
* Document approval is given.
* An approval publication is provided in the global GAP database.
Documents required for GAP Certificate application;
* Foundation official documents
* Signature circular of the organization
* Tax plate
* Contact information
* Product information
* Production field information, location information and harvest periods are the information requested in the application.
EKOL CERTIFICATION CONSULTANCY
As EKOL Certification Body, we also provide services in GAP (Good Agricultural Practices). The process provided in this service process proceeds as the following items. You can contact us to have detailed information.
* Current situation assessment
* Preliminary
* Preparation of quality targets and policies
* Creating an organization chart
* Providing basic training
Job descriptions and key personnel responsibilities
* Preparation of procedures
* Occupational safety and security practices
* Environmental management system applications
* Inner control
* YGG
* Deciding on the certification company