Source: FreshPlaza.com [1]

The GlobalGap Board has recently approved a proposal that the standard shall be revised every 4 years, instead of every 3 years - a decision welcomed by all stakeholders to allow sufficient time for adjustment and implementation between new versions.

Even though the GlobalGap Integrated Farm Assurance V3.0 has only become obligatory on 1st January 2008, the various sector committees have already started with the enormous task of revising the standard. It was agreed in all Sector Committees that there should not be fundamental changes in approach but to continue to improve the standard from practical experience gained in implementation and reflect improvements in best practice.

Some of the topics that are under discussion in various subgroups and Sector Committees, include:

• Standard Efficiency (streamlining the standard, avoid duplication and ambiguity)
• Standard Integrity (General Regulations)
• Resource Management (soil, water, energy and nitrogen levels)
• Improvement of the Integrated Pest Management guideline and compliance with microbiological issues are seen as crucial points for the Crops sector.
• Requirements for Animal welfare, Feed and Transport are important topics discussed at the Livestock and Aquaculture Sector Committees.

Full article available here [2]