Global GAP and GRASP are internationally recognised certifications that are pivotal in the global agricultural, horticultural, and aquacultural industries.
These certifications, signifying Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and GAP Risk Assessment Social Practice (GRASP), provide a framework for ensuring that agricultural products meet rigorous quality, safety, sustainability and human resources standards.
The significance of these certifications has grown significantly since the early 1990s, fuelled by the demands and expectations of the modern values-conscious consumer.
Consumers, now more than ever, want to know where their food comes from and how it’s produced. This quest for transparency and accountability has led to establishing international certification standards like Global GAP and GRASP, which serve as essential guides for growers, processors and suppliers.
These standards help ensure that the products we consume meet high-quality and ethical standards, making our food not only safer but how it’s produced more principled.
The evolution of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)
The concept of Good Agricultural Practice originated in the early 1990s in response to a rising need for comprehensive guidelines for food production. Initially, the focus was on ensuring the well-being of animals and food safety. However, as consumer concerns expanded, so did the scope of GAP.
Global GAP’s comprehensive framework is up to version 6 and now consists of nine chapters, each covering specific aspects of agricultural and horticultural practices:
Operational Systems: This chapter deals with the fundamental operational aspects of an orchard, ensuring processes are well-defined and consistently applied.
Plant Health & Biosecurity: It focuses on plant protection, safeguarding crops’ health and preventing disease spread.
Soil & Nutrient Management: Proper soil management is critical for sustainable agriculture, encompassing soil health improvement and nutrient management.
Environment: Environmental concerns are central, emphasising aspects including water and air quality, reducing emissions and adapting to climate change.
Integrated Pest Management: These methods promote effective pest control while minimising environmental impact.
Agrichemicals: This chapter addresses the responsible use of agricultural chemicals, minimising their environmental impact and ensuring food safety.
Food Safety: Food safety is critical, ensuring that products are free from contamination or hazards that could harm consumers or workers.
Health & Safety: Occupational health and safety measures are fundamental, aiming to protect the well-being of orchard workers.
Social Practice: The social practice chapter deals with fair labour practices, ensuring ethical treatment of workers, including fair wages and zero tolerance for child labour or discrimination.
Why do we need Global Gap and GRASP?
Consumers drive change. Their preferences, values and evolving concerns influence how products are produced. This is not driven by marketing entities or government regulations alone. Consumers are pushing for better and more transparent practices in the ever-changing landscape of customer preferences.
Consumer expectations have evolved to incorporate concerns like sustainability, emissions reduction and climate change mitigation. Under the ‘Social Practice’ chapter, the issues of fair wages, eliminating child labour and ensuring a discrimination-free workplace have become significant talking points. These concerns are not abstract; they reflect the growing awareness of the world’s ecological challenges and the well-being of those involved in food production.
Tirofruit’s Commitment to Global GAP and GRASP
Tirofruit fully aligns with the principles and requirements of Global GAP and GRASP. However, we do more than meet these standards; we incorporate them into the core of our daily operations. This company actively infuses these values into our social practices and environmental improvements.
Tirofruit goes above and beyond, offering its employees various benefits like free health insurance for permanent staff and flexible working hours. They provide meals and pastoral care for their Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSEs) to ensure they are well-nourished and cared for. This commitment extends to soil and nutrient management, where Tirofruit employs practices like biodynamic principles and natural soil fertility products such as seaweed.
A mission beyond compliance
For Tirofruit, their mission transcends merely passing intensive annual audits. It’s about integrating the requirements of Global GAP and GRASP into their day-to-day operations and systems. These values are not just buzzwords but are topics of discussion, debate, and ongoing learning within their organisation.
Leadership doesn’t come from a single direction at Tirofruit; it emerges from all corners. It’s about instilling a culture of sustainability and responsibility in every team member, from long-standing employees to newly hired staff and from top management to seasonal workers.
Tirofruit will always be at the forefront of ethical practice
In a world where consumers’ choices have a profound impact on industries, Tirofruit is an example of how a company can rise to the challenge. We don’t just meet the stringent criteria of Global GAP and GRASP; we exceed them by incorporating these values into our company culture.
The power to shape the future of agriculture and the food industry rests in the hands of the consumer. By supporting companies like Tirofruit, committed to the highest quality, safety, and sustainability standards, we can collectively move towards a more responsible and ethical approach to food production.
Join Tirofruit in this journey towards a more responsible and ethical food industry. Your choices matter, and they can make a big difference. Demand transparency, quality and sustainability, and together, we can create a better future for our food systems.
Francis has a BSc in Biochemistry from Lincoln University and an MBA from Canterbury University. Francis career has covered sectors including manufacturing, export market development, tourism, economic development and now horticulture (again). Francis has established marketing and distribution networks across the EU, UK, USA and Asia. Francis combines his years of experience and leading teams to help run Tirofruit as the CEO and optimize its potential. The group combines extensive interests in kiwifruit, dairy and beef grazing as well as continuing investments into developing those properties.