Divergence Between GLOBALG.A.P. and Organic Certification Standards

GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) and organic certification standards such as NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production), NOP (National Organic Program), and EU organic standards differ fundamentally in their objectives, scope, and operational frameworks, leading to a lack of alignment between them.

Differences in Objectives and Focus

GLOBALG.A.P.

- Focus on Food Safety and Sustainability: GLOBALG.A.P. is primarily concerned with ensuring food safety, quality, and sustainability in agricultural practices. It provides a framework for implementing best practices across various agricultural sectors, including crop management, water use, waste disposal, and worker safety. The certification is aimed at enhancing consumer trust and meeting market demands for safe agricultural products .

- Pre-Farm-Gate Standard: GLOBALG.A.P. certification covers practices from farm inputs to the point where products leave the farm, focusing on the entire production process rather than the end-product characteristics.

Organic Certification (NPOP, NOP, EU)

- Focus on Organic Practices: In contrast, organic certification emphasizes the use of organic farming methods that avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The core principles include promoting biodiversity, maintaining soil health, and using natural inputs .

- Post-Farm-Gate Standard: Organic standards often include strict regulations on how products are processed and handled post-harvest, ensuring that organic integrity is maintained throughout the supply chain.

Standards and Compliance

- Different Compliance Criteria: GLOBALG.A.P. has a broad range of criteria related to good agricultural practices that may not necessarily include all aspects required for organic certification. For instance, while GLOBALG.A.P. allows certain synthetic inputs under controlled conditions for food safety reasons, organic standards prohibit these entirely . There are no Conversion Transition for GLOBALGAP farms but in Organic Standards there is Conversion for 3 years is stipulated or being approved as per the Retroactive scheme.

- Certification Bodies: The certification processes also differ; GLOBALG.A.P. relies on various accredited bodies to conduct audits based on its specific criteria, which can vary widely depending on the sector . In contrast, organic certifications are typically overseen by dedicated agencies that follow stringent guidelines set by national or international organic standards.

Market Perception and Consumer Expectations

- Market Orientation: GLOBALG.A.P. is often viewed as a business-to-business certification aimed at producers seeking to access international markets by demonstrating compliance with food safety and sustainability requirements. In contrast, organic certifications are more consumer-oriented labels that signal adherence to specific organic farming principles .

- Consumer Trust: While both certifications aim to build consumer trust, they do so through different mechanisms. Organic certifications appeal to consumers looking for products free from synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while GLOBALG.A.P. focuses on assuring consumers about the safety and traceability of their food .

Lack of alignment between GLOBALG.A.P. and organic certification standards arises from their distinct objectives—one prioritizing food safety and sustainability through good agricultural practices, while the other emphasizes organic farming methods that exclude synthetic inputs. These differences in focus lead to varying compliance requirements and market perceptions that further separate the two certification systems.