GLOBALG.A.P. is the leading pre-farm-gate standard for fruit, vegetables and aquaculture. We get producers certified to IFA Version 6, GFSI-recognised and required by major retailers worldwide.
GLOBALG.A.P. is a global certification scheme for good agricultural practice, covering production before the farm gate. Its flagship standard, Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA), is the world's leading certification for fruit, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals and aquaculture.
IFA is a modular standard built around general regulations and Principles and Criteria, allowing producers to be certified for multiple scopes, such as crops, fruit and vegetables, or aquaculture, in a single audit. It covers food safety, traceability, environmental sustainability, and worker health, safety and welfare.
The current version is IFA Version 6, released in September 2022 with a simplified structure, extended sustainability and animal welfare criteria, and a stronger focus on continuous improvement. IFA v6 Smart replaced version 5.2 for fruit and vegetables and aquaculture from January 2024. IFA v6 GFS, the GFSI-recognised edition, achieved GFSI recognition in August 2024 and replaced version 5.4-1-GFS from January 2025.
GLOBALG.A.P. is often the entry point to a supply chain. Retailers that require BRCGS, IFS Food or FSSC 22000 for processing and manufacturing frequently also require GLOBALG.A.P. certification from their primary production suppliers, making it a foundational certification across the fresh produce and aquaculture sectors.
Every GLOBALG.A.P. Principle and Criterion is classified by compliance level. The thresholds for each level determine whether certification is achieved.
| Level | What it means | Threshold required | Impact on certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Must | Mandatory requirements considered essential to food safety, traceability or core compliance. | 100% compliance | A single non-compliance against any Major Must results in non-certification, regardless of performance elsewhere. |
| Minor Must | Mandatory requirements that allow some flexibility in how they are achieved. | At least 95% compliance | A small number of Minor Must non-compliances are tolerated, but the 95% threshold across all applicable Minor Musts must be met. |
| Recommendation | Good practice criteria that support continuous improvement but are not mandatory. | Not required for certification | Not assessed for pass or fail, but reviewed as part of the continuous improvement focus introduced in IFA Version 6. |
Our mock audit checks every applicable Principle and Criterion against these thresholds, identifying any Major Must risk areas first, since these carry the highest consequence regardless of overall readiness.
If your certification is still based on IFA v5.2 or v5.4-1-GFS, the transition to Version 6 is already required for fruit, vegetables and aquaculture.
IFA Version 6 was released in September 2022 and rolled out in two editions over several years.
IFA Version 6 released, with a simplified structure, extended sustainability and animal welfare criteria.
IFA v6 Smart replaced version 5.2 for fruit and vegetables and aquaculture. GRASP v2 became mandatory for the GRASP add-on.
IFA v6 GFS, GFSI-recognised since August 2024, replaced version 5.4-1-GFS. All IFA audits for fruit, vegetables and aquaculture are now conducted against Version 6.
Version 6 reworked the structure and language of the standard to be more streamlined and outcome-focused, replacing the previous CPCC numbering with a new Principles and Criteria structure.
New and expanded criteria covering environmental sustainability, aligned with the UN Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the holistic approach Version 6 takes beyond food safety alone.
Extended criteria on animal welfare for relevant scopes, and a stronger emphasis on continuous improvement at producer level, with self-assessment now required to address all non-applicable and non-compliant criteria with documented comments.
Under Version 6, 10% of audits are unannounced, and this is now included within the original number of certification audits and not counted as additional audits.
A three-year cycle rule, with an annual on-site audit, further reduces the checklist to applicable points and shortens the on-site audit duration in subsequent years of a cycle.
The IFA standard for livestock was discontinued in Version 6, as market analysis suggested it was unlikely to become the sector reference standard.
GLOBALG.A.P. is required across the fresh produce and aquaculture supply chain, from individual growers to large producer groups.
Growers supplying major retailers, where GLOBALG.A.P. IFA certification is a standard condition of supply for fresh produce, covering over 600 species under the standard.
Finfish, crustacean, mollusc and seaweed producers, where IFA Version 6 GFS has been GFSI-recognised since August 2024 and is increasingly required by buyers.
IFA supports certification for individual producers, multisite producers and producer groups including smallholders, all under a single certification scope.
Producers of flowers and ornamentals for retail and wholesale markets where GLOBALG.A.P. certification is specified by buyers.
Sites still certified under IFA v5.2 or v5.4-1-GFS for fruit, vegetables or aquaculture must transition to Version 6, since audits against the older versions are no longer conducted for these scopes.
Producers whose buyers specify the GRASP add-on for social practice assessment, with GRASP v2 mandatory since January 2024 for those pursuing the add-on.
We cover the full scope of GLOBALG.A.P. consulting, from initial certification through to IFA Version 6 transition and add-on modules.
A review of your farm management system against the Principles and Criteria of IFA Version 6 relevant to your scope. Each criterion is assessed as Major Must, Minor Must or Recommendation, producing a predicted compliance outcome.
For producers still operating under IFA v5.2 or v5.4-1-GFS, a structured transition gap assessment focused on the new Version 6 structure, extended sustainability criteria and self-assessment requirements.
Development of the documented procedures, risk assessments and record-keeping systems required across the IFA Principles and Criteria, covering crop protection, water management, traceability, worker hygiene and welfare.
A focused review of all Major Must criteria for your scope, since a single non-compliance here results in non-certification regardless of overall performance. Major Musts are prioritised in every gap assessment and mock audit.
Implementation of the GRASP add-on for social practice assessment, including GRASP v2 requirements mandatory since January 2024, covering working conditions, wages and worker representation.
Development of traceability systems connecting field-level records through harvest, packing and dispatch, a frequent area of Major Must non-compliance when records do not connect end to end.
A full mock audit conducted against IFA Version 6 Principles and Criteria for your scope, checking compliance against the 100% Major Must and 95% Minor Must thresholds and issuing a graded findings report.
For producers certifying multiple scopes in a single audit, or for producer groups including smallholders, we structure the consulting programme to address scope-specific and group-level requirements efficiently.
A monthly retainer covering record-keeping system maintenance, regulatory update alerts, and pre-audit preparation ahead of the annual on-site audit.
Our GLOBALG.A.P. training courses build internal competency for farm management teams. We also offer HACCP training and internal auditor training aligned to IFA Version 6 requirements.
GLOBALG.A.P. certification follows a defined sequence. Our part of the process typically takes a few weeks. The certification body audit timeline depends on their scheduling and on seasonal factors, and is outside our control.
| Stage | What happens | Our role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gap assessment | Your farm management system is reviewed against the IFA Version 6 Principles and Criteria for your scope. Each criterion is assessed as Major Must, Minor Must or Recommendation. | We conduct the assessment and deliver a written action plan with a predicted compliance outcome. | 2 to 3 days |
| 2. Major Must priority review | All applicable Major Must criteria are reviewed first, since a single non-compliance results in non-certification regardless of performance elsewhere. | We identify and prioritise any Major Must gaps for immediate action. | 2 to 3 days |
| 3. Documentation development | Documented procedures, risk assessments and record-keeping systems are developed or updated across the relevant Principles and Criteria. | We write all documentation in collaboration with your farm management team. | 1 to 2 weeks |
| 4. Traceability and record-keeping | Traceability records are reviewed to confirm they connect field records through to the final product, and record-keeping systems are established for ongoing use. | We design and implement the traceability and record-keeping systems. | 3 to 5 days |
| 5. GRASP and add-ons (if applicable) | Where required, the GRASP risk assessment on social practice or other add-ons are implemented to current version requirements. | We implement the GRASP add-on and any other required modules. | 3 to 5 days |
| 6. Implementation | The documented system is put into practice across the farm or site. Records begin to accumulate for the evidence period required before audit. | We provide implementation support and review emerging records. | 2 to 4 weeks |
| 7. Self-assessment | A self-assessment is completed covering all applicable Principles and Criteria, with comments addressing non-applicable and non-compliant items as required by Version 6. | We complete the self-assessment and prepare supporting evidence. | 2 to 3 days |
| 8. Mock certification audit | A full mock audit checks compliance against the 100% Major Must and 95% Minor Must thresholds for your scope. | We conduct the mock audit, issue a graded findings report and close all identified gaps before the live audit. | 2 to 3 days |
| 9. Certification audit | The certification body conducts the on-site audit, which may be announced or one of the 10% unannounced audits under Version 6. | We provide standby support and advise on responses to any non-conformances raised. | Up to the certification body |
| 10. Ongoing surveillance | Annual on-site audits under the three-year cycle rule, with a reduced checklist for applicable points in subsequent cycle years. | We provide a retainer covering record-keeping maintenance and pre-audit preparation. | Ongoing |
Our gap assessment reviews your farm or site against every applicable Principle and Criterion of IFA Version 6, with Major Must criteria prioritised first because of their certification impact.
The gap assessment covers the IFA Version 6 general regulations and the Principles and Criteria for your relevant scope, whether crops, fruit and vegetables, or aquaculture. Each criterion is assessed against its compliance level, Major Must, Minor Must or Recommendation, and against the 100% and 95% thresholds required for certification.
Because a single Major Must non-compliance results in non-certification regardless of overall performance, these criteria are reviewed first and form the highest priority items in the resulting action plan.
We confirm your certification scope and review existing documentation, risk assessments and records against IFA Version 6.
Every applicable Major Must criterion is assessed first, identifying any non-compliance that would result in certification failure.
We assess the farm, packhouse or aquaculture site against documented procedures, including worker facilities, crop protection storage and traceability points.
We produce a written gap assessment with a predicted compliance outcome and a prioritised action plan.
For producers transitioning from IFA v5.2 or v5.4-1-GFS, we offer a focused Version 6 transition gap assessment covering only the new and changed criteria.
The same issues appear across GLOBALG.A.P. audits regardless of scope. Major Must non-compliances carry the highest consequence and are the priority for any preparation programme.
The 100% Major Must threshold means there is no margin for error on these criteria. A single non-compliance, however minor it may seem in isolation, results in non-certification regardless of how well the site performs on every other criterion. Identifying and closing Major Must gaps is always the first priority.
Records of plant protection product applications, including product, rate, date, operator and pre-harvest interval, must be complete and consistent with harvest dates. Gaps or inconsistencies in these records are among the most common non-compliances in fruit and vegetable certification.
Traceability requires that field-level records connect through harvest, packing and dispatch to the final product. Gaps where one stage of records cannot be linked to the next are a frequent finding, particularly for multisite producers and producer groups.
Toilet facilities, handwashing stations, rest areas and access to drinking water for workers must meet specific criteria. Facilities that are present but do not meet the required standard, or that are not accessible to all workers, are commonly cited.
Risk assessments for water sources, soil, and where applicable GRASP social practice assessments, must be specific to the site and kept current. Generic risk assessments not adapted to the actual site and its water sources or workforce are a frequent non-compliance.
IFA Version 6 requires the self-assessment to include comments for all non-applicable and non-compliant Major and Minor Must criteria. Self-assessments carried over from previous versions without these comments do not meet the current requirement.
GLOBALG.A.P. covers primary production. Processing and manufacturing standards apply further down the same supply chain.
| GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 | BRCGS Food Safety | FSSC 22000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage of supply chain | Pre-farm-gate, primary production | Manufacturing and processing | Manufacturing and processing |
| GFSI recognised | Yes (since Aug 2024) | Yes | Yes |
| Applies to | Farms, growers, aquaculture producers | Food manufacturers and primary processors | Food manufacturers and suppliers |
| Compliance model | Major Must, Minor Must, Recommendation | AA to D grading | Certified or not certified |
| Our consulting | GLOBALG.A.P. | BRCGS Food Safety | FSSC 22000 |
Producers who also pack or lightly process their own product, such as washing, sorting or bagging fresh produce, may need to consider both GLOBALG.A.P. certification for primary production and a processing standard depending on retailer requirements. We can advise on the right combination for your operation during an initial consultation.
What drives the timeline and cost of a GLOBALG.A.P. project. We provide a written proposal with a fixed fee after the initial consultation.
Timeline
How long our consulting work takes
Cost factors
What drives the consulting fee
No existing certification or formal farm management system. Our consulting work typically takes 3 to 5 weeks. Certification body scheduling and seasonal timing are separate and outside our control.
A single-scope, single-site producer requires less work than a multi-scope operation or a producer group covering multiple sites.
Existing certified producers transitioning from v5.2 or v5.4-1-GFS. Our consulting work for the transition typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Additional modules such as GRASP add to the scope of work. Each add-on is scoped separately based on its specific requirements.
The closer your current record-keeping and risk assessments are to IFA Version 6 requirements, the less work is required. The gap assessment establishes this precisely.
A gap assessment only, a full certification programme, or a Version 6 transition package each carry different fees. All scopes are defined in writing before work begins.
Crop cycles and harvest timing affect when certain documentation and risk assessment activities can be completed, and may influence the overall project schedule.
Certification body audit fees are separate from our consulting fees and paid directly to your chosen GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body. We advise on CB selection during the initial consultation.
Answers to the questions we hear most often from producers preparing for GLOBALG.A.P. certification or the Version 6 transition.
GLOBALG.A.P. is a global certification scheme for good agricultural practice, covering the production of fruit, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals and aquaculture before the farm gate. Its flagship standard is Integrated Farm Assurance, known as IFA. The current version is IFA Version 6, which achieved Global Food Safety Initiative recognition in August 2024 and became mandatory for fruit and vegetables and aquaculture in its GFS edition from January 2025. GLOBALG.A.P. covers food safety, traceability, environmental sustainability, and worker health, safety and welfare.
Integrated Farm Assurance, or IFA, is the flagship GLOBALG.A.P. standard. It is a modular standard built around general regulations and Principles and Criteria, allowing producers to be certified for multiple scopes such as crops, fruit and vegetables, and aquaculture in a single audit. IFA Version 6 was released in 2022, replaced version 5.2 for fruit and vegetables and aquaculture from January 2024, and its GFSI-recognised edition, IFA v6 GFS, became mandatory from January 2025.
GLOBALG.A.P. certification is required by major retailers and buyers from producers of fruit, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals and aquaculture products. It applies to individual producers, multisite producers and producer groups including smallholders, in any country where a GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body operates. It is the leading pre-farm-gate standard and is often the entry point to a supply chain for retailers that also require BRCGS, IFS or FSSC 22000 further downstream.
GLOBALG.A.P. Principles and Criteria are categorised by compliance level. Major Must criteria are mandatory requirements that must be met in full, with 100% compliance required for certification. Minor Must criteria are also mandatory but allow some flexibility, with at least 95% compliance required. Recommendations are good practice criteria that are not mandatory for certification but support continuous improvement. Failing even one Major Must results in non-certification regardless of overall performance on other criteria.
IFA Version 6 is the current version of the GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance standard, released in September 2022 with a simplified structure, extended sustainability and animal welfare criteria, and a stronger focus on continuous improvement. IFA v6 Smart replaced version 5.2 for fruit and vegetables and aquaculture from 1 January 2024. IFA v6 GFS, the GFSI-recognised edition, replaced version 5.4-1-GFS from 1 January 2025, after GFSI granted recognition to IFA v6 in August 2024.
GRASP, the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice, is an add-on module assessing social practices for workers on the farm, covering areas such as working conditions, wages and worker representation. While GRASP itself is an add-on and not a core IFA requirement, an increasing number of retailers and certification programmes specify it as a condition of supply. GRASP v2, the current version, became mandatory for those pursuing the GRASP add-on from January 2024.
A GLOBALG.A.P. gap assessment reviews your farm management system against the Principles and Criteria of IFA Version 6 relevant to your scope, whether crops, fruit and vegetables, or aquaculture. Each criterion is assessed as Major Must, Minor Must or Recommendation, and the assessment identifies any gaps against the 100% Major Must and 95% Minor Must thresholds required for certification. It produces a written action plan with a predicted compliance outcome.
The most common GLOBALG.A.P. audit issues are: a single Major Must non-compliance, which results in non-certification regardless of overall score. Record-keeping gaps for plant protection product applications and harvest intervals. Traceability records that do not connect field records through to the final product. Worker hygiene and welfare facilities that do not meet the criteria. Risk assessments, such as for water sources or social practice under GRASP, that are missing, outdated or not site-specific.
Our consulting work moves fast. From gap assessment to mock audit ready, most producers are there in a few weeks. The total time to certificate depends on when the certification body can schedule your audit and on seasonal factors such as crop cycles, which are outside our control. We make sure our part never holds you up.
Yes. Gap assessments, documentation review, record-keeping systems and IFA Version 6 transition support are all available remotely. We work with producers in any country where a GLOBALG.A.P. approved certification body operates. On-site visits are available for mock audits and where a physical review of the farm, packhouse or aquaculture site is needed.
GLOBALG.A.P. is a pre-farm-gate standard covering primary production, while BRCGS, IFS Food and FSSC 22000 apply to processing and manufacturing after the farm gate. A single supply chain often requires GLOBALG.A.P. certification at the farm level and a processing standard such as BRCGS or FSSC 22000 further downstream. Producers who also pack or lightly process their own product may need to consider both GLOBALG.A.P. and a processing standard depending on retailer requirements.
You can commission any of these on their own, with an agreed scope and a written quote, without taking on ongoing consulting. See all food safety services.
To establish the real size of the project before an audit date is booked.
Read about A gap assessment →Where the clause requires audits and nobody internal is independent enough.
Read about An internal audit →To check what your supplier files evidence in practice.
Read about A supplier document review →Tell us your scope, your current certification status and your timeline. We will tell you exactly what IFA Version 6 requires.