The latest version of GlobalGAP is set to be released in March following a review and consultation in five continents.

The revised standard has taken a mainstream approach to food safety and sustainability and for the first time creates an entry level for growers that are not yet ready to work towards the full certification.

It uses HACCP principles to stress best practice in food safety and a toolkit will help producers to comply by carrying out risk assessments and the necessary food safety plans. Topics including water, manure, soil and land use feature alongside an integrated pest management toolkit.

GlobalGAP managing director Kristian Moeller said: “We see a new trend for more transparency from the grower and certifying bodies. Version 4 is more streamlined, more effective.

“And we realised that there needs to be an entry level for growers that are not yet able to do the full version, not to abuse the brand but for those on the way to it.”

The team will undertake an eight-stop world tour including New Delhi, Mexico City, Cape Town and Cairo.