Fruit Logistica panel discussion showcases their vital role in a resilient, responsible food system in the future
Transforming supply chains and making global food systems more resilient through the adoption by smallholders of responsible farming practices was the topic of a panel discussion organised by GlobalGAP at last week’s Fruit Logistica.
Titled ‘The significance of smallholders: Rethinking responsible farming on a global scale’, the panel featured GlobalGAP managing director Dr Elmé Coetzer-Boersma, alongside Janine Basso Lisboa, Project Manager at AgroDtech in Brazil, and Manal Saleh, Founder of Blue Moon in Egypt.
Success stories underscored how assurance solutions and training initiatives are empowering small-scale growers by bridging the gap between producers and markets while fostering responsible agricultural practices worldwide.
Coetzer-Boersma pointed out that smallholders produce about 30 per cent of the world’s food supply, yet many lack the resources to meet international certification standards. She explained how GlobalGAP’s stepwise Primary Farm Assurance (PFA) programme has been specifically designed to provide an accessible entry point, equipping small-scale farmers with the education and tools needed to improve productivity and implement responsible farming practices.
These assessed smallholders can, in turn, access wider markets. “In South Africa, we recently supported a programme that connected smallholder farmers with the supermarket chain Spar. Through a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders, this rural initiative has already achieved measurable success, delivering tangible benefits for the smallholders,” Coetzer- Boersma explained.
Panellists Lisboa and Saleh shared real-world examples of how GlobalGAP’s assurance solutions are driving change in their respective regions. Smallholder farmers in their programmes have successfully increased efficiency, improved crop quality, and landed contracts with profitable markets. Their experiences reinforce the significant role smallholders play in meeting the growing demand for transparent and responsible sourcing throughout the supply chain.
“Helping smallholders succeed isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about changing habits that have been passed down for generations. That takes time, training, and a market that’s willing to support their journey,” said Basso Lisboa.
According to GlobalGAP, transforming supply chains starts with empowering smallholders to adopt responsible practices. Long-term support, market patience, and access to resources are key to success. Supporting smallholders in improving efficiency and quality while fostering the adoption of responsible farming practices strengthens the global food system and contributes to a more resilient future of agriculture for everyone.
