Assessment of steps in global gap certification of an agricultural product for producers

The globalization of agri-food supply chains has heightened the demand for internationally recognized certification systems that guarantee food safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) has emerged as a leading voluntary certification standard, widely required by European retailers for fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products. This study assesses the sequential steps involved in obtaining GLOBALG.A.P. certification, including registration, scope selection, internal gap analysis, corrective actions, external audits, certification, and continuous re-certification. The analysis highlights the benefits of certification, such as improved market access, consumer trust, and sustainable farming practices, while also addressing challenges, including high costs, complex documentation requirements, and barriers for smallholder farmers. The findings underscore the importance of capacity-building, cooperative models, and policy support to facilitate wider adoption of GLOBALG.A.P. certification, particularly in developing regions.