GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE (GAP)

The methods of land use which can best achieve the objectives of agronomic and environmental sustainability are described in several different Codes of Practice designed by producers organizations (eg COLEACP), importers and retailers consortia (e.g. BRC, FPC, CIMO, EUREP) and Government bodies representing consumers (e.g. UK Food Standards Agency). Many UK supermarkets have in addition their own codes of practice which their suppliers must satisfy. American retailers use a different standard called SQF 2000, which is based on HACCP. More information can be found on the SGS website

The European Retailers Group (EUREP) is attempting to consolidate the agronomic and environmental components of all these codes into one universal set of rules or guidelines under the name EUREPGAP (= EUREP Good Agricultural Practice). This is intended to present a clear message to suppliers and reduce the confusion that flows from the current multiplicity of codes. The EUREP website sets out the rules and procedures which growers or traders must comply with in order to qualify for EUREPGAP certification. COLEACP is also trying to develop a harmonised framework taking the important parts of each code of practice. It is not clear how long this process of consolidation will take.

This section of the guide does not aim to propose yet another code of practice for producers to follow. Rather it highlights the components of the EUREPGAP and other codes which are of critical importance to smallholders integrated crop management, fertilizer use, irrigation, weed control, pest and disease control and harvesting, and points the reader to sources of additional information where further detail is required.

Related Information: EUREP website (www.eurep.org) for the latest version of the EUREPGAP checklist of issues that should be considered for ensuring Good Agricultural Practice. COLEACP Harmonised Framework