ChinaGAP Ready to Start EurepGAP Benchmarking Procedure

CNCA, The Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China, has published the ChinaGAP code, rules and training documents and will start with first pilot certification activities in 14 provinces of China.

EurepGAP started in 1997 as an initiative of retailers belonging to the Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group (EUREP). It has subsequently evolved into an equal partnership of agricultural producers and their retail customers. Our Mission is to develop widely accepted standards and procedures for the global certification of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP.
EurepGAP members include retailers, producers/farmers and associate members from the input and service side of agriculture. Governance is by sector specific EurepGAP Steering Committees which are chaired by an independent Chairperson. Both the standard and the certification system is approved by the Technical and Standards Committees working in each product sector. These committees have 50% retailer and 50% producer representation creating an effective and efficient partnership in the supply chain. The work of the Committees is supported by FoodPLUS a not for profit limited company based in Cologne, Germany.
EurepGAP was driven by the desire to reassure consumers. Following food safety scares such as BSE (mad cow disease), pesticide concerns and the rapid introduction of GM foods consumers throughout the world are asking how food is produced; and they need re-assuring that it is both safe and sustainable. Food safety is a global issue and transcends international boundaries. Many EurepGAP members are global players in the retail industry and obtain food products from around the world. For these reasons a need has arisen for a commonly recognised and applied reference standard of Good Agricultural Practice which has at its centre a consumer focus.
The number of EurepGAP certified growers has doubled in 2005, bringing the total to over 35.000 worldwide, with a further 10.000 in the process of being certified in 2006.