EurepGAP launched the third version of its Good Agricultural Practice standard on Thursday after two years of intensive stakeholder discussions.

More than 500 experts - ranging from producers, traders, retailers and governmental and non-governmental organisations from more than 56 countries - have made proposals, comments and suggestions.

Amendments include the integration of all agricultural products into a single farm audit, more emphasis on intergrated crop management with a focus on showing commitment to integrated pest management practices such as prevention, observation and monitoring, and the standards of worker health and safety have also been updated to include smallholders in developing countries.

EurepGAP secretary Kristian Moeller said: “Feedback from nearly 10 years of working with the standard - with more than 1,000 completed - has been incorporated to make the new third version of 2007 more relevant to today’s concerns and advanced production techniques…

“We have equipped you with a reliable tool kit that allows you to position yourself in a global market with respect to consumer interests.”

The lengthy process of global implementation is now underway, although a fine-tuning period will also run until the end of February, Moeller added.

Nigel Garbutt, EurepGAP chairman, said: “What has been gratifying about this revision process is how EurepGAP members have reached out to their wider stakeholder group to make this our most widely consulted version ever.”

The standard will be published in 15 languages.

Producers can register for Version 3 and receive certification from March 1.

A transition period, which will allow parallel audits to the existing Version 2.1 and the new Version 3, will end in December.

All old certificates will be replaced by January 2009.

Topics