Technical News for
Certification Bodies – Issue 03/2023

Dear GLOBALG.A.P. scheme manager,
In this issue you will read about:
1
2

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................................... 2
INTEGRATED FARM ASSURANCE ................................................................................................... 2
2.1 IFA v6 in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems................................................................................. 2
2.2 Phasing out IFA v5.2 on 31 December 2023-Transition to IFA v6 (New)................................. 4
2.3 Deadline for accreditation for IFA v6 Smart ............................................................................. 5
2.4 GGN number on final product: when FV 07.02 is non-applicable (New) .................................. 6
2.5 About maintenance of competency for auditors approved for GFSI recognized standards(New) ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.6 About audit reporting for GFSI recognized standards (New).................................................... 7
2.7 Producers moving between Certification Programmes (New) .................................................. 7
2.8 Clarification for the non-conforming product procedure in FV-GFS 11.01 and AQ 17.02(New) ....................................................................................................................................... 7
2.9 About 25% random selection of the sample in Option 2/Option 1 multisite producer with QMS(New) ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.10 New NIG template for IFA v6: legal identification number included (New) ............................... 9
2.11 About sublicense and certification agreement (SCLA) (New) .................................................. 9
2.12 About translation of IFA v6 certificates (New) .......................................................................... 9
2.13 IFA standard for livestock phasing out (New)........................................................................... 9
2.14 Emergency procedure for CBs operating in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestinian territory .......... 10
2.15 Producer quick start guide (New) ........................................................................................... 10

3
4

GLOBALG.A.P. CHAIN OF CUSTODY (COC) (NEW) ...................................................................... 11
ADD-ON-RELATED UPDATES ......................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Add-on versions and their combinability with IFA versions (new) .......................................... 11
4.2 GRASP add-on ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 GRASP clarifications (New) ................................................................................................ 12
4.2.2 Clarification on GRASP transitioning during 2024 (New).................................................... 13
4.2.3 Full compliance in IFA v6 P&Cs related to workers’ health, safety, and welfare mandatory
for GRASP v2 (New) .............................................................................................................. 13
4.2.4 GRASP v2 National Interpretation Guidelines (NIGs) (New) .............................................. 13
4.3 Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater use (SPRING) add-on ......................... 14
4.3.1 SPRING add-on v2 ............................................................................................................. 14
4.3.2 Clarification for parallel ownership in SPRING add-on v2 in case of Option 1 (New): ........ 16
4.4 GLOBALG.A.P. Farm Sustainability Assessment version 3.0 (GGFSA): No change in thefee calculation (New) ............................................................................................................. 18
4.5 Coop Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on version 2 ............................................................ 18
4.6 Nurture module new version .................................................................................................. 19
4.7 BioDiversity add-on version 1.1 (New) ................................................................................... 20
4.8 Impact Driven Approach (IDA) add-on new version 1.1 ......................................................... 21
4.9 FSMA PSR add-on v2 CB auditor qualifications (New).......................................................... 224.10 New GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS version 2 (New).......................................................................... 23

5

GLOBALG.A.P. IT UPDATES ........................................................................................................... 24
5.1 About GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems wiki (New) ........................................................................ 24
5.2 About CB-AT (New) ............................................................................................................... 24
5.3 Audit Online Hub (AOH) updates ........................................................................................... 24
5.4 About GLOBALG.A.P. database performance (New) ............................................................ 25

6
7

GLOBALG.A.P. FEES (NEW)............................................................................................................ 25
PRODUCT LIST UPDATES (NEW) ................................................................................................... 25

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1

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONThis technical communication is uploaded to the GLOBALG.A.P. document center and the CB
Extranet. It is also sent to the scheme managers of each approved and provisionally approved
certification body (CB), to the technical committees, to the hosts of the national technical working
groups, to the GLOBALG.A.P. Advisory Board, to accreditation bodies that have signed amemorandum of understanding, and to all benchmarked scheme and checklist owners. You can
ask us to add selected persons to the mailing list or to send these technical news releases to all
your registered staff by sending your request to Valentin Pazachev at pazachev@globalgap.org.
Several of the chapters included have been previously communicated to you and have been
added with little or no changes. These are marked with Previously communicated: XX Month
XXXX. Chapters with new information have been marked with (New) next to the title.
2

INTEGRATED FARM ASSURANCE

2.1

IFA v6 in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems

Previously communicated on 10 November 2023
We hereby inform you that we decided to allow a transition period for the full implementation of
IT systems’ smart process (i.e., issuing certificates in Validation Service-VS and uploading reports
in Audit Online Hub).
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will allow from 1 January 2024 CBs to conduct the entire audit
process for all the certification options for Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) version 6 Smart, IFA
v6 GFS and the linked add-ons in the current GLOBALG.A.P. database. This will be allowed fora period and will be terminated with a new announcement by the Secretariat.
During this period, CBs will be able to register, accept and issue IFA v6 certificates for all
certification options for the plants and aquaculture scopes, for both IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS,
and for the linked add-ons’ versions in the GLOBALG.A.P. database, issuing their own paper
certificates/letter of conformances by using the paper certificate templates that are available in
CB Extranet.
CBs may use AOH to upload their checklists (when available) and database as well, following
AOH upload rules for legacy process (now applicable for GLOBALG.A.P. database too) for all
new standards and add-ons, obligatory from the 1 January 2024. CBs may still use AOH for the
standards that do not change on the 1 January 2024, e.g., CoC, IFA v5.4-1 GFS and IFA v5.2
sub scopes CC or PPM.
CBs may choose to issue certificates via the VS or make the certification decision in the current
GLOBALG.A.P. database and issue paper certificates.
The minimum percentage for uploading reports (checklists) is stated per farm assurance products(FAP) (i.e., standards or add-ons) in the table below. The number of reports created in AOH(Legacy and Smart process) and the number of checklists uploaded in the GLOBALG.A.P.
database are added up to calculate the minimum percentage for uploading reports and checklists.
CBs shall keep following the Audit Online Hub (AOH) (Legacy) upload rules v1.1 July 2023
regarding the % of the checklist to be uploaded per standard or add-on. The CBs will be able tochoose if they want to upload the checklist in the AOH or in the GLOBALG.A.P. database, using
a new feature that will allow the upload of the checklist in the GLOBALG.A.P. database in any
format used by the CB. GLOBALG.A.P. will provide the checklists in excel in the CB extranet.
This choice will determine where the certification process will have to take place.
With other words, if VS is used to issue the certificate/letter of conformance, AOH shall be used
to upload audit checklists/reports. If GLOBALG.A.P. database is used for the certification process,CBs shall upload the audit checklists/reports in database.
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All certificates issued either in VS or in GLOBALG.A.P. database can be accessed in current
database “Search” function.
CBs shall use the same IT system for the base standard and the add-on as well when both areavailable in the same system. Example: if database is used for IFA v6 Smart certification process,then certification process for SPRING v2 and GRASP v2 add-on shall also take place in database.
CBs cannot switch to another IT system for the add-ons.
CBs choosing database for the certification process shall use the checklists and the paper
certificate templates for IFA v6 and all linked add-ons, available in CB Extranet.
Farm assurance product (FAP)

Obligatory from

Upload %reports

Available in***

IFA v6 Smart FV*

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

IFA v6 Smart FO*

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

IFA v6 Smart HOP*

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

IFA v6 Smart AQ*

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

IFA v6 GFS AQ*

Pending GFSIrecognition

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

IFA v6 GFS FV*

Pending GFSIrecognition

DB,
CB+AOH+VS

GRASP v2*

01/01/2024

100%

DB,
CB+AOH+VSSPRING v2**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

FSMA PSR v2.0**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

GGFSA v3.0**

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB

AH-DLL GROW v3.1**

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB

BioDiversity v1.1**

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB

Nurture Module v12**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

GG Plus v2**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

COOP ITALIA v2.0**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

RMS v6 independent operator**

01/01/2024

100%

DB

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Farm assurance product (FAP)

Obligatory from

Upload %reports

Available in***

IDA add-on v1.1 for plants and01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB

TR4 Biosecurity Standard v1.0**

03/07/2023

minimum 20%

DB

CFM v3.1**

01/01/2024

minimum 20%

DB

IDA add-on v1.0 for AQ **This is a transition period and eventually we aim to implement all GLOBALG.A.P. FAPs only inthe smart IT process.
Auditors still need to pass the relevant online test for the audit to be registered in either system.
The GLOBALG.A.P. database will use the GAIN number to check the results the auditor achievedin the respective online tests. All the auditors need to be registered (not approved, only registered)in CB-AT and the CB Scheme Manager/CB assist must assign the relevant standard or add-on(farm assurance product) to the auditor. The only roles triggering exams are QMS auditor, farm
auditor or reviewer.
For the producers, the GLOBALG.A.P. fees as described in GLOBALG.A.P. general fee table
2021 (and GLOBALG.A.P. North America fee table) will apply during this period for all farmassurance products (i.e., standards or add-ons), regardless of the IT system used for thecertification process. For IFA v6 Smart the IFA v5.2 fees will apply and for IFA v6 GFS the feesfor IFA v5.4-1-GFS will apply, as described in the above-mentioned fee tables.
The GLOBALG.A.P. System participation fees v7.0 June 2023 will not apply during this period(for IFA v6 and GRASP v2 fees) and until a revised fee structure is implemented with theconsideration of stakeholders’ feedback. The published fee tables will be updated accordingly.
Here we give a summary for all new FAPs that will follow the above-mentioned procedure:
New standards and add-ons per 1 January 2024
*CBs may use either AOH Smart process for creating an audit report or excel reports to uploadin GLOBALG.A.P. database**CBs shall use only excel reports to upload in GLOBALG.A.P. database***We continuously work to implement the smart IT process for all FAPs (AOH+VS).
The below mentioned FAPs are under review and will be published soon:•

PHA v1.3 standard•

HPS v2 standard•

TR4 Biosecurity add-on v2.0

2.2

Phasing out IFA v5.2 on 31 December 2023-Transition to IFA v6 (New)As already communicated, IFA v5.2 sub scopes fruit and vegetables, flowers and ornamentals,
the aquaculture scope, and both IFA v5.2 and IFA v5.3-GFS for hops will be phased out on 31
December 2023 and IFA v6 Smart will become mandatory on 1 January 2024. This date is linked
to the audit date and IFA v5.2 and IFA v5.3-GFS for hops certificates issued after these audits
will be valid until their “valid to” date, as usual.

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Where the purpose of the audit/inspection is the extension or maintenance of valid existing IFA
v5.2 certificates, further audits/inspections against this version are allowed in the following
situations:•••

Adding of additional products to the certificate of an IFA v5.2 certified producer/producergroup
Adding of new producer group members and/or production sites to the certificate of an
IFA v5.2 certified producer group/multisite producer with QMS (within the 10% or above
the 10%),Planning the 10% additional unannounced audits/inspections during the validity of IFA
v5.2 certificates, as required in IFA v5.2.

For initial audits where no valid IFA v5.2 certificate already exists no audits against this standard
are allowed anymore from 1 January 2024.
Please consider that the first audits of certificate holders (Option 1/Option 2) already certified to
IFA v5.2/IFA v5.4-1-GFS against IFA v6 are considered subsequent (recertification) audits. Thismeans that the rule requiring 10% of the subsequent audits to be unannounced applies to thesecertificate holders and CBs shall consider this new rule in their audit planning for year 2024.
The IFA v5.2 subscopes plant propagation material and combinable crops will remain valid and
CB audits may be conducted against them after 1 January 2024.
IFA v5.4-1-GFS for FV and AQ will still be valid, and audits will be possible against this IFA version
until GFSI benchmarking is achieved.
IFA v5.4-1-GFS will be replaced by IFA v6 GFS with a transition period allowed after thebenchmarking process has successfully finished.
2.3

Deadline for accreditation for IFA v6 SmartPreviously communicated on 27 July 2023
We would like to remind you that CBs will need to get accreditation for IFA v6 at scope level. CBs
shall be accredited for IFA v6 Smart by 31 December 2023 at the latest.
If not, after January 2024, the CBs will remain “provisionally approved” and will be allowed toissue a limited number of nonaccredited certificates (to a maximum of 20 producers per scope)starting the calculation from that date.
Both the IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS editions require accreditation, but both can be achievedin one audit. Accreditation body (AB) witness audits for IFA v6 GFS will also cover IFA v6 Smart.
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat allowed CBs that are provisionally approved for IFA v6 Smart toissue an unlimited number of nonaccredited certificates for IFA v6 Smart until 31 December 2023.
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat does not require a new office assessment from the AB as aprecondition for the CB’s accreditation for IFA v6.
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will be applying for International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
evaluation. The IAF mark cannot appear on the certificate until the IAF evaluation has beensuccessfully completed.

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2.4

GGN number on final product: when FV 07.02 is non-applicable (New)FV 07.02 reads that:
The GLOBALG.A.P. Number (GGN)
is indicated on all final products
originating from certified production
processes when registered forparallel ownership.

Where the producer is registered for parallel ownership(i.e., where products originating from certified andnoncertified production processes are owned in parallelby one legal entity), all products originating fromcertified production processes packed in final
consumer packaging (either on the farm or after
product handling) shall be identified with a GGN.
It can be the GGN of the Option 2 producer group, the
GGN of the producer group member, both GGNs, or
the GGN of the Option 1 individual producer. The GGNshall not be used to label products originating fromnoncertified production processes.

This P&C can be non-applicable (N/A) when:•

The producer/the producer group only owns GLOBALG.A.P. products (no parallelownership)or•

When there is a written agreement available between the producer/the producer groupand the buyer not to use the GGN on producer’s final product packaging
or•When there is a market label specification that prevents the producer/producer group fromusing the GGN on the producer’s final product packaging

In all cases where the GGN is not used on final product when there is parallel ownership, there
shall be at minimum a system in place to identify the product originating from certified production.
There shall be written information in place between the buyer and the producer/producer groupwhich explains the system. All agreements and communication shall be documented andavailable during the CB audits.
2.5

About maintenance of competency for auditors approved for GFSI recognized
standards (New)We would like to inform you that GLOBALG.A.P. General Regulations – Rules for Certification
Bodies clause 14: Additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS 12.3.5 i) and 13.3.5 i) are to be
replaced by the following text:
The CB shall have in place a procedure to ensure that annually every auditor conducts at least
five on-site audits, at a number of different producers.
In the case of a CB auditor approved for GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standards, the five onsite CB audits required for maintenance of competency shall be against any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI
benchmarked GLOBALG.A.P. standards and at least one annual on-site audit against therespective GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard.
If this requirement cannot be met, the CB auditors shall carry out 5 on-site audits against any
GFSI-approved Certification Programmes (see list here) and at least one annual on-site audit
against the respective GFSI recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard.

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For example, a CB auditor may conduct 4 audits to any GFSI-approved Certification Programmeand only one audit to IFA v6 GFS to maintain competency for IFA v6 GFS.
2.6

About audit reporting for GFSI recognized standards (New)GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – rules for Certification Bodies clause 8.1.p, GLOBALG.A.P.
general regulations – Rules for QMS clause 7.1.d and GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations –Rules for individual producers clause 7.1.d currently read:“Where the country of destination (as registered in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems) includes the
USA and/or Canada, the CB shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit
checklist to the producer, at the latest by the time of the certification decision.”
Here we would like to inform you that the text is amended for IFA v6 GFS as following:“CBs shall provide the final CB audit report including the completed audit checklist to producers
registered for any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard, at the latest by the time of thecertification decision.”
2.7

Producers moving between Certification Programmes (New)

Herewith we communicate amendment of Rules for GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations – Rules
for QMS point 5.2.4 clause 9.1 additional requirements for IFA V6 GFS and GLOBALG.A.P.
general regulations–Rules for individual producers, clause 5.2.4 under 8.2 additional
requirements for IFA V6 GFS.
CBs shall complete a risk assessment on producers that switch between any GFSI-approved
Certification Programmes to any GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard. This risk
assessment shall consider, but shall not be limited to, such aspects as:•

Unannounced audits•

Suspensions•

Withdrawals•

Cancellations, etc., by the previous certification programme.

In all cases, audits of producers moving from another GFSI benchmarked Certification
Programme to a GLOBALG.A.P. GFSI benchmarked standard shall always be considered as an
initial audit and not a subsequent (recertification) audit.
2.8

Clarification for the non-conforming product procedure in FV-GFS 11.01 and AQ
17.02 (New)We would like to inform you that P&Cs FV-GFS 11.01 and of AQ 17.02 are amended to include
text:“Where the root cause is related to significant food safety reasons, the procedure in place shallbe implemented and maintained for the determination and implementation of corrective actions.
Such actions shall aim to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity to prevent reoccurrence.”

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So, after launch of this Technical News FV-GFS 11.01 will read:
FV-GFS
11.01

Procedures are in place tomanage and handle nonconforming products.

Documented procedures, including a hold-andrelease process, shall be in place to prevent
unintended use or delivery of non-conforming
products.
Products may be considered non-conforming
because of food safety issues, quality issues,
maximum residue limit exceedance(s), crosscontamination issues, etc.
Non-conforming products shall be identified
during production and handling. Non-conforming
products shall be segregated, appropriately
handled, and potentially redirected to a suitableend use (processing, animal feed, etc.). If not
redirected, the products shall be disposed ofappropriately.
The non-conforming product procedures shallalso address the treatment of dropped product, asper the risk assessment.
Products that pose a risk to food safety shall not
be harvested or shall be discarded. Discarded
products and waste materials shall be stored inclearly designated areas to avoid contaminationof products. Signs shall be used to identify waste
products, where appropriate. These areas shallbe routinely cleaned and/or disinfected according
to the cleaning schedule.
Where the root cause is related to significant foodsafety reasons, the procedure in place shall be
implemented and maintained for the determinationand implementation of corrective actions. Suchactions shall aim to eliminate the cause of anonconformity to prevent reoccurrence.

and AQ 17.02 will read:
AQ 17.02

Procedures are in place tomanage and handle nonconforming products.

Documented procedures shall be in place
specifying that all non-conforming products beclearly identified and quarantined as appropriate.
These products shall be handled or disposed ofaccording to the nature of the problem and/or
specific customer requirements.
Where the root cause is related to significant foodsafety reasons, the procedure in place shall be
implemented and maintained for the determinationand implementation of corrective actions. Suchactions shall aim to eliminate the cause of anonconformity to prevent reoccurrence.

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2.9

About 25% random selection of the sample in Option 2/Option 1 multisite producer
with QMS (New)As it reads in Rules for QMS point 6.1.2.1.e for v6 GFS “at least 25% of the sample shall berandomly selected from the actual number of producer group members/production sites.”
We would like to remind CBs to record in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems (AOH) the producer groupmembers/production sites randomly selected.
2.10 New NIG template for IFA v6: legal identification number included (New)IFA v6 National Interpretation Guideline (NIG) templates were updated to include new point 7
about legal identification number. The new NIG templates were launched in document center on
13 September 2023. Registration of legal entities with their unique legal registration number is
not mandatory. It is up to the NTWG of each country to decide on mandatory use of this number
and include this requirement in the respective country's NIG.
2.11 About sublicense and certification agreement (SCLA) (New)We would like to remind all CBs to use the most recent version of the SLCA (latest version 5) thatis available in CB Extranet. Current ones are with separate Privacy Notice except those for North
America/Canada.
2.12 About translation of IFA v6 certificates (New)We have already communicated in the past that IFA v6 certificates issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT
systems following the smart IT process (in Validation Service-VS) are issued in English. CBs candownload them and send to the producers. Until more languages are available in VS, CBs may
translate the certificate in the local languages, including all information from the English one
originated from VS. The same applies for certificates issued in GLOBALG.A.P. database.
A disclaimer shall be added to all certificates issued in VS and translated by the CBs to advise
users to refer to the English certificate issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems, that is the originalone. CBs shall add in the translated certificate the “Certificate No.” number from the English
certificate issued in VS.

CBs shall always share with producers together with the translated version the English certificate
issued in GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.
2.13 IFA standard for livestock phasing out (New)As previously communicated, IFA v5.2 Livestock scope will not exist anymore after end of 2023.
The last possible date for audits/inspections against IFA v5.2 livestock scope is 31 December
2023.
CBs can take the certification decision and issue certificates to IFA v5.2 livestock scope during2024 as long as the audits have been conducted until 31 December 2023, but the validity of thosecertificates cannot be longer than 31 December 2024.

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Adding products, members and/or sites to existing IFA v5.2 for livestock scope certificatesafter 31 December 2023:
Where the purpose is the extension or maintenance of valid existing IFA v5.2 certificates forlivestock scope, further audits/inspections against this version are allowed in the following
situations:(i) Adding of additional products to the certificate of an IFA v5.2 certified producer(ii) Adding of new members and/or sites to the certificate of an IFA v5.2 certified producergroup (within the 10% or above the 10%)
As long as all these certificates expire latest until 31 December 2024.
For initial audits where no valid IFA v5.2 certificate for livestock scope exists: No audits against
this standard are allowed from 1 January 2024.
2.14 Emergency procedure for CBs operating in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestinian territory
Previously communicated on 18 and 19 October 2023
As of Saturday morning, 7 October 2023, the security situation has worsened in Israel. The
country is in official situation of war. This poses significant risk on producers, certification body
auditors and other personnel involved in GLOBALG.A.P. certifications.
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat therefore is from now offering the possibility to activate theemergency procedure for certificate validity extension for a maximum period of six months.
In addition, the certification bodies that are not able to conduct an on-site inspection/audit due tothe current official travel restrictions and state of emergency circumstances (“force majeure”) in
Israel (including Israel and Golan Heights -Israel; Israel and West Bank -Israel) , Lebanon and in
the Palestinian Territory may conduct the inspection/audit remotely following the GLOBALG.A.P.
Remote Procedure (ver. 1.3). The time frame for the application of GLOBALG.A.P. Remote
Procedure starts with immediate effect and will terminate by 31 December 2023. If further
extension of the validity of application of the procedure will be required, it will be communicatedin a timely manner by the Secretariat.
GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure was introduced as a response to the coronavirus crisis andwas published in May 2020. The GLOBALG.A.P. Remote Procedure solution is applicable to themajority of GLOBALG.A.P. standards and add-ons, with the exception of GFSI-recognizededitions.
The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will continue to communicate updates on this topic and remains
available to respond to questions or concerns. In the meantime, we call for peace.
2.15 Producer quick start guide (New)The GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat has developed the Producer’s Guide to the new home of
GLOBALG.A.P. smart farm assurance solutions to help producers (via CBs) with a better
understanding of the new GLOBALG.A.P. website. This guide includes visibility on where to findthe solutions and services most applicable to their needs while also highlighting new introductions
like our Smart Checklist Builder. The guide can be found in the CB extranet and is encouraged to
be shared widely with producers. New features will be released on the website in 2024.

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3

GLOBALG.A.P. CHAIN OF CUSTODY (COC) (New)We would like to inform you that CBs auditing against CoC v6.1 shall seek to become CoC
accredited according to ISO/IEC 17065 and can use the accreditation mark on the CoC certificate
they issue.
CBs auditing against CoC through BRCGS, CoC through IFS or CoC through QS is not mandatory
to be CoC accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, and they cannot use the accreditation mark on the
GLOBALG.A.P. CoC certificates they issue.
4

ADD-ON-RELATED UPDATES

4.1

Add-on versions and their combinability with IFA versions (new)Herewith we would like to summarize the available add-on versions, the dates the new versions
become mandatory and their combinability with IFA versions.
Add-on nameand version

After 1 January2024
mandatory to
combine with
IFA v6
Smart/GFS

After 1 January2024, possible
to combinewith IFA v5.4-1
GFS until it isphased out(after IFA v6
GFS becomes
GFSI
recognized)

After 1 January2024
mandatory to
combine withbenchmarked
schemes/checklists
against IFA:

Available IT
systems toissue thecertificates/
letters ofconformance

GRASP v1.3-1-i

Possible for IFA
v5.2 CC/PPM,
CfP

Yes

v5.2

Database

GRASP v2

Yes

Yes

v6.0

AOH+VS,
Database

SPRING v1.1-1

Possible for IFA
v5.2 CC/PPM

Yes

v5.2

Database

SPRING v2

Yes

Not possible

v6.0

Database

Nurture v11.4

Not possible

Yes

Not possible

Database

Nurture v12

Yes

Not possible

Not possible

Database

FSMA v1.3

Not possible

Yes

Not possible

Database

FSMA v2

Yes

Not possible

Not possible

Database

BioDiversity v1.0

Not possible

Yes

v5.2

Database

BioDiversity v1.1

Yes

Yes

v6.0

Database

TR4 add-on v1.0

Yes

Yes

v5.2

Database

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Add-on nameand version

After 1 January2024
mandatory to
combine with
IFA v6
Smart/GFS

After 1 January2024, possible
to combinewith IFA v5.4-1
GFS until it isphased out(after IFA v6
GFS becomes
GFSI
recognized)

After 1 January2024
mandatory to
combine withbenchmarked
schemes/checklists
against IFA:

Available IT
systems toissue thecertificates/
letters ofconformance

IDA v1.0

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Database

IDA add-on v1.1

Yes

Yes

v6.0

Database

GG FSA v2.1-1

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Database

GG FSA v3.0

Also mandatory
for IFA v5.2
CC/PPM, CfP

Yes

Not possible

Database

PLUS v1.1

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Database

PLUS v2

Yes

Yes

Not possible

Database

AH DLL GROW
v3.0

Not possible

Yes

Not possible

Database

AH DLL GROW
v3.1

Yes

Not possible

Not possible

Database

COOP Italia
v1.0-1

Not possible

Not possible

Not possible

Database

COOP Italia v2

Yes

Yes

Not possible

Database

All the above-mentioned add-ons’ new versions are already published and available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. document center. We continuously work to implement the smart IT process for
all add-ons (AOH+VS).
4.2

GRASP add-on

4.2.1 GRASP clarifications (New)Clarification for GRASP v2: Legal entities registered with two different CBs for GRASP v2
In GRASP v2 it is allowed for a legal entity to register with product 1 for IFA and GRASP with CB
X and with product 2 for IFA and GRASP with CB Z.
GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems will have a function (in AOH) to notify the CBs that this legal entity
has registered with another CB for GRASP (different products).
It won't be possible to have a GRASP Letter of Conformance if the legal entity has been
sanctioned (e.g., suspension) or not compliant to GRASP with another CB.

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4.2.2Clarification on GRASP transitioning during 2024 (New)As previously communicated in TN 02/2023 and on 10 November 2023, the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk
Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP) v2 will become obligatory from 1 January 2024 incombination with Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) v6 Smart.
To ensure a seamless transition for stakeholders who require certification with GFSI recognition,
IFA v5.4-1-GFS will continue to be valid after 1 January 2024 and remain available for audit until
IFA v6 GFS becomes GFSI-recognized. During this period, IFA v5.4-1-GFS audits can still be
conducted together with GRASP v1.3-1-i.
While the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat highly recommends producers to implement the new andimproved GRASP v2, we are committed to supporting flexibility in allowing producers andcertification bodies to make a joint decision if IFA v5.4-1-GFS audits will be combined with
GRASP v2 or GRASP v1.3-1-i, based on their audit planning, preparation, and buyer demands.
However, it is up to the producers and CBs together to decide if IFA v5.4-1-GFS audits will be
combined with GRASP v2 or GRASP v1.3-1-I, depending on their audit planning and preparation(especially where commercial offers are sent, and subsequent audits are already planned).
4.2.3 Full compliance in IFA v6 P&Cs related to workers’ health, safety, and welfare
mandatory for GRASP v2 (New)As described in GRASP v2 general rules point 3, for any GRASP application, evidence shall be
submitted of the verification of criteria on workers’ health, safety, and welfare. A full complianceresult in this category is required to obtain the GRASP letter of conformance.
CBs choosing to upload the GRASP checklists in database and issue GRASP v2 letter ofconformance in the current GLOBALG.A.P. database, shall verify before making the certification
decision that the minor P&Cs/CPCCs on workers’ health, safety, and welfare are fully compliant.
These P&Cs/CPCCs are listed in GRASP v2 checklists (as annex) available for CBs in CB
extranet.
4.2.4

GRASP v2 National Interpretation Guidelines (NIGs) (New)As it reads in GRASP rules, GRASP add-on is already applicable in countries without NIGs, andthis is so in GRASP v2. However, as previously communicated in TN 02/2022, existing
GRASP v1.3-1-i NIGs shall be updated for GRASP v2. NIGs for GRASP v2 shall be developed
until the end of 2023 and sent to the Secretariat for approval.
In countries where NIGs for GRASP v1.3-1-i exist and a GRASP v2 NIG has been presented to
the Secretariat, we will allow CBs to conduct assessments against GRASP v2, without further
requirements, until end of June 2024, to give the local stakeholders a longer period to finalize the
NIG for GRASP v2.
After 1 January 2024 drafts for GRASP v2 NIGs (updates or new NIGs) will be received anytime
and will be subject to revision by the Secretariat and public consultations, outside of the periods
indicated above. NIGs submitted to the Secretariat cannot be guaranteed to become approved
and available for the date of a specific assessment.
After this period (1 January 2024), in countries where NIGs for GRASP v1.3.-1-i exist but draft
NIGs for GRASP v2 have not been presented or approved by the Secretariat, the CBs shall follow
the special registration of assessors in countries without a NIG, as described in GRASP v2
general rules, when assessing GRASP v2 in countries without NIG.
In countries where no NIG for GRASP v1.3-1-i exists, the special registration of assessors incountries without a NIG shall apply for every GRASP v2 assessment.

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As of 22 November 2023, in these countries CBs can conduct assessments against GRASP v2,
without further requirements, until end of June 2024:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

New ZealandThailand
China
Austria
Denmark
Belgium
RomaniaSouth Africa
Japan
SerbiaNetherlands
Chile
Czech Republic
IrelandPlease consider that this list is constantly updated, as more NIGs are sent to the Secretariat.
For more information about the countries and the development stage of NIGs for GRASP v2 inthe countries you are interested in, please contact: graspnig@globalgap.org.
4.3

Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater use (SPRING) add-on

4.3.1

SPRING add-on v2

Previously communicated on 5 September 2023
SPRING add-on v2 (Scheme ID 191) is valid from 5 September 2023 and will become obligatoryfrom 1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart audits and for IFA v6 GFS as soon as it is GFSI recognizedand becomes mandatory.
SPRING add-on v2.0 is combinable with IFA v6 for all product categories under Plants Scope
and with CfP Standard as the base standard and the normative documents are available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. Document Center.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming SPRING add-on audits in combination with IFA v6
Smart/GFS will be done using SPRING add-on v2 and that they shall use the new checklist for
self-assessments.
2. What is new in SPRING add-on v2.0?
The goal and main focus of this update is simplification of the add-on rules and the alignment with
IFA v6.
Main changes in the general regulations specifications•

Alignment of the level of compliance with IFA (i.e., critical points are changed to Major
musts)•

Alignment of the scoring system with IFA (i.e., compliance Yes/No, instead of 0;1;2;3)•

Alignment of audit results with IFA (i.e., deletion of Improvement needed or Critical status
and respective consequences)•

Requirement on auditor training regarding local legislation on water use

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•National Interpretation Guidelines are required after 1 January 2024

Main changes in the P&Cs (previously CPCCs)•

Added: No N/A in previous Critical points•

1.2.1: Added: j) If there is a PHU on the farm, consider the risk of contaminating the water
sources. Recommendation: a basin characterization prior to the analysis•

1.3.1: Stakeholders. Added: NGOs.

•

2.1.3: Deleted, because of duplication with IFA v6 (next points change numbering)•

2.1.4: Changed numbering: 2.1.3•

2.1.5: Changed numbering and wording: 2.1.4•

3.1.2: Remarks added in the criteria•

3.1.3: Rewording•

3.1.5: Deleted, because of duplication with IFA v6 (next points change numbering)•

3.1.12: Recovering and storing rainwater: New wording•

3.1.15: New numbering: 3.1.8•

3.1.8: Deleted, because of duplication with IFA v6•

4.2.2: Rewording•

4.4.1: and 4.4.3: Deleted, because of duplication with IFA v6•

4.4.2: Changed numbering: 4.4.1

3. About SPRING add-on v2.0 auditor and IHT training
In addition to the IFA plants CB auditor qualifications, CB auditors need training in order to beable to conduct audits against the SPRING add-on.
Existing CBs, CB IHTs for SPRING add-on v1.1-1
All CBs currently approved for SPRING add-on v1.1-1 will be automatically provisionally approved
for SPRING v2. All already approved SPRING IHTs should have registered and completed the
SPRING v2 IHT update training (online live session) and successfully completed and passed the
update SPRING IHT test. There was a limited number of update IHT trainings available in Q3/Q4
2023. If IHTs failed to attend one of these update IHT trainings during 2023, they shall register
for a full SPRING v2 IHT training.
IHTs can look for all available CB trainings in CB Academy by registering with their credentials.
CB auditors previously approved for the SPRING add-on v1.1-1
All CB auditors already approved for the SPRING add-on v1.1-1 shall be trained by the IHT andsuccessfully complete and pass the update online test for SPRING add-on v2.0. This online test
shall be conducted within one month of when it becomes available in the GLOBALG.A.P. CB
Academy in the working language of the CB auditor.
New CBs: IHT and CB auditor training requirements
CBs not yet approved for the SPRING add-on may apply by uploading a signed letter of intent in
CB-AT. A pre-condition for approval is that the CB shall have final approval for IFA v6. The annual
CB scope extension fee applies.

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The CB IHT shall attend the SPRING add-on v2 IHT training (full training) offered by the
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat and successfully complete and pass the IHT test. The IHT trains therelevant CB auditors against this add-on who then have to complete and pass the SPRING addon online test as offered by the applicable GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.
This online test shall be conducted within three months of when it becomes available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in the working language of the CB auditor.
Failing the test twice requires that the CB auditor retake the test proctored. Failing the third test
attempt requires that the CB auditor attends the GLOBALG.A.P. SPRING add-on v2 IHT training
and pass the respective IHT test.
4.3.2

Clarification for parallel ownership in SPRING add-on v2 in case of Option 1 (New):

Herewith we would like to share with you clarification for SPRING add-on v2 general rules
specifications point 5.2.1, about parallel ownership (PO) in Option1. We will allow a transition
period until 1 January 2025, with a validity of one year in their cycle, where we will allow PO as
described below, also for option 1 producers.
This is how point 5.2.1 is amended during this transition period for PO in case of Option 1
producers:
Additional requirements
regarding the registration
process

PO is allowed in Option 1 producers (single site and multisite) when
producers buy same products originating from IFA certified
procedures without holding a SPRING add-on LoC (valid until
1 January 2025 for one year cycle).
But it is not allowed for Option 1 producers to register in parallelsame products partially registered for the SPRING add-on andpartially not registered for this add-on.
PO is allowed in the case of Option 2 producer groups – albeit onlywith regard to producer group members, not products.

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Accordingly, P&C 5.1.1 is amended to:
5.1.1

An effective system isin place to identify all
products grown by
producer groupmembers/producers
registered for the
SPRING add-on andsegregate them fromproducts grown byother producers.

Producer groups/producers shall havea system in place to ensure that products
from producer group members/producers
registered for the SPRING add-on aresegregated from products originating fromother producers.
An annual mass balance calculation for
products from producer groupmembers/producers registered for the
SPRING add-on shall be available for eachproduct.
Communication with clients about producergroup members registered and not registered
for the SPRING add-on shall be available. Incase of Option 1, producers shall inform theirdirect clients in case they buy products
originating from IFA certified procedures
without a SPRING addon Letter ofConformance.
In the case of producer groups, products
shall be identified with each producer groupmember’s GLOBALG.A.P. Number (GGN).
The producer group’s GGN shall never beused for traceability. Random controls of
pallets dispatched during the last 12 months
shall show that only products from producergroup members registered for the SPRING
add-on were delivered to clients demanding
it. The quality management system (QMS)
manager shall communicate to its clients if
not all of the producer group members areregistered for the SPRING add-on.
In case of Option 1 producers with PO(buying products originating from IFA certified
procedures without a SPRING add-on LoC),
the products shall always keep the original
GGN of the original producer/producer groupin case of individual finished units or including
always the GGN in the transaction
documents in case of bulk.
This principle and the relevant criteria are notapplicable for Option 1 individual producers
without parallel ownership or for Option 2
producer group in which 100% of the
producer group members are registered for
the SPRING add-on.

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Major Must

4.4

GLOBALG.A.P. Farm Sustainability Assessment version 3.0 (GGFSA): No change inthe fee calculation (New)As already communicated in TN 02/2023, GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat and the Sustainable
Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI Platform) reviewed the GLOBALG.A.P. Farm Sustainability
Assessment (GGFSA) and launched GGFSA v3.0 which is obligatory for all GGFSA audits
conducted after 1 May 2023. GGFSA v3.0 normative documents meant no change in the fee
calculation in comparison to the earlier GGFSA v2.1.
While the section on the fee in the General regulations specifications of GGFSA v3.0 reads
differently from that of GGFSA V2.1., it means no change in the fee calculation.
This fee-related section of the GGFSA v3.0 General regulations specifications will be amended
as to read more similar to the earlier version GGFSA V2.1, eliminating from the text the mention
to “distributed in three years.”
4.5

Coop Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on version 2

Previously communicated on 8 November 2023
COOP Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on v2 (Scheme ID 606) is valid from 8 November 2023
and will become obligatory from 1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart audits and for IFA v6 GFS assoon as it is GFSI recognized and becomes mandatory.
COOP Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on v2.0 is combinable with IFA v6 for all productcategories under Plants scope as the base standard and the normative documents are available
in the GLOBALG.A.P. document center.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming COOP Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on audits incombination with IFA v6 Smart/ GFS will be done using COOP Italia Pesticide Transparency addon v2 and that they shall use the new checklist for self-assessments.
2. What is new in COOP Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on v2.0?
The goal and main focus of this update is simplification of the add-on rules and the alignment
with IFA v6.
Main changes in the general regulations specifications••

Clarification on add-on scope for products produced by hydroponic and substratecultivation are not required to be certified against the Coop Italia Pesticide add-on
Alignment of audit results with IFA audit results (i.e., deletion of Improvement needed
requirement, 100% Major conformance is required for certification).

•

Update on unannounced audits and alignment with IFA v6 audit rules. Althoughunannounced audit is not required for this add on, if the producer is chosen forunannounced IFA v6 audit, Coop Italia Pesticide Transparency add-on shall be audited
unannounced.

•

Clarification on audit sampling rules when the add-on is combined with IFA v6 GFS withhigh-risk producers/sites/PHUs is added.

Main changes in the P&Cs (previously CPCCs)•

CIPT6 New P&Cs numbers were added as “FV SMART/GFS 7 ("Parallel ownership,
traceability, and segregation") and FV SMART/GFS 8 ("Mass balance").”Code ref.: Technical newsletter for CBs, issue 03/2023
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4.6

Nurture module new version

Previously communicated on 1 November 2023
Nurture Module v12 (Scheme ID 603) is published since 2 November 2023 and will become
obligatory from 1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart combined audits and for IFA v6 GFS as soon as
IFA v6 GFS is GFSI recognized and becomes mandatory.
Nurture Module v12 is combinable with IFA v6 for Fruits and Vegetables under Plants scope as
the base standard and the normative documents are available in the GLOBALG.A.P. document
center.
IFA v5.4-1-GFS will continue to be combined with Nurture Module v11.4 even after 1 January2024, until IFA v6 GFS becomes mandatory.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming Nurture Module audits in combination with IFA v6 Smart/
GFS will be done using Nurture Module v12 and that they shall use the new checklists for selfassessments.
2. What is new in Nurture Module v12?
•

The goal and main focus of this update is alignment of Nurture Module with IFA v6•

The P&Cs on producer level remain the same as in Nurture Module v11.4•

On QMS level the P&Cs relevant to product handling of Tesco “unfinished” products
become applicable from the moment that an option 2 certificate holder has a producthandling unit that handles “unfinished” Tesco registered products.

3. About Nurture v12 auditor and IHT training
In addition to the IFA plants CB auditor qualifications, CB auditors need training in order to beable to conduct audits against the Nurture Module.
Existing CBs, CB IHTs for Nurture v11.4
All CBs currently approved for Nurture v11.4 will be automatically approved for Nurture v12. All
already approved Nurture IHTs shall register and complete the full Nurture v12 IHT training (online
live session) and successfully complete and pass the Nurture v12 IHT test. IHTs can look for all
available CB trainings in CB Academy by registering with their credentials. Failing to participate
in this training would mean that the CB will not be able to perform v12 Nurture audits from 1
January 2024 on and get blocked.
CB auditors previously approved for the Nurture Module v11.4
All CB auditors already approved for Nurture v11.4 shall be trained by the IHT and successfullycomplete and pass the online test for Nurture v12. This online test shall be conducted within one
month of when it becomes available in the GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in the working languageof the CB auditor. Evidence of the internal training shall be available during any CIPRO audit.
New CBs: IHT and CB auditor training requirements
CBs not yet approved for Nurture Module can send the request to Andrea Meizoso atmeizoso@globalgap.org. The conditions to be approved by TESCO are available on our website
under Nurture Module. Another pre-condition for approval is that the CB shall have final approvalfor IFA v6. The annual CB scope extension fee applies.
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat will complete the evaluation of your application, but the final decision
on approval is taken by TESCO.
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The CB IHT shall attend the Nurture v12 IHT training (full training) offered by the GLOBALG.A.P.
Secretariat and successfully complete and pass the IHT test.
The IHT trains the relevant CB auditors against this add-on who then have to complete and passthe Nurture v12 add-on online test as offered by the applicable GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.
This online test shall be conducted within three months of when it becomes available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in the working language of the CB auditor.
Failing the test twice requires that the CB auditor retake the test proctored. Failing the third test
attempt requires that the CB auditor attends the GLOBALG.A.P. Nurture v12 IHT training andpass the respective IHT test.
4.7

BioDiversity add-on version 1.1 (New)

BioDiversity add-on v1.1 is published on 1 December 2023 and will become obligatory from
1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart combined audits and for IFA v6 GFS as soon as IFA v6 GFS is
GFSI recognized and becomes mandatory.
BioDiversity add-on v1.1 is combinable with IFA v6 for Fruits and Vegetables under Plants scopeas the base standard and may be combined with IFA v5.4-1-GFS and the normative documents
are available in the GLOBALG.A.P. document center.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming BioDiversity add-on audits in combination with IFA v6
Smart/GFS will be done using BioDiversity add-on v1.1 and that they shall use the new checklists
for self-assessments.
Also, inform your clients that upcoming BioDiversity add-on audits in combination with IFA v5.41-GFS may be done using BioDiversity add-on v1.1 (or BioDiversity add-on v1.0) and that theyshall use the respective checklists for self-assessments.
2. What is new in BioDiversity add-on v1.1?
•

The goal and main focus of this update is alignment of the add-on with IFA v6•

The level of compliance aligns with IFA (critical points are changed to Major musts.)•

The scoring system aligns with IFA scoring system (compliance: yes or no, instead of
0,1,2,3)•Not all producer group members and/or production sites of Option 2 producer groups or
Option 1 multisite producers need to participate in the add-on audit.

3. About BioDiversity add-on v1 auditor and IHT training
In addition to the IFA plants CB auditor qualifications, CB auditors need training in order to beable to conduct audits against the BioDiversity add-on.
Existing CBs, CB IHTs for BioDiversity add-on v1.1
All CBs currently approved for BioDiversity add-on v1.0 will be automatically approved for
BioDiversity add-on v1.1.
All already approved BioDiversity v1.0 add-on IHTs shall successfully pass the auditor online test
before the CB’s first audit against the BioDiversity add-on v1.1.
All already approved BioDiversity v1.0 CB auditors shall successfully pass the auditor online test
within one month of when it becomes available in the GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in theirworking language.

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New CBs: IHT and CB auditor training requirements
CBs not yet approved for BioDiversity add-on may apply by uploading a signed letter of intent in
CB-AT. A pre-condition for approval is that the CB shall have final approval for IFA v6. The annual
CB scope extension fee applies.
The CB IHT shall attend the BioDiversity add-on IHT training (full training) offered by the
GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat and successfully complete and pass online test.
The IHT trains the relevant CB auditors against this add-on who then have to complete and passthe BioDiversity add-on online test as offered by the applicable GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems. This
online test shall be conducted within three months of when it becomes available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in the working language of the CB auditor.
Failing the test twice requires that the CB auditor retake the test proctored. Failing the third test
attempt requires that the CB auditor attends the GLOBALG.A.P. BioDiversity add-on IHT training
and pass the online test.
4.8

Impact Driven Approach (IDA) add-on new version 1.1

Previously communicated on 14 November 2023
IDA add-on v1.1 (Scheme ID 288) is valid from 13 November 2023 and will become obligatoryfrom 1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart audits and for IFA v6 GFS as soon as it is GFSI recognizedand becomes mandatory.
IDA add-on v1.1 is combinable with IFA v6 for all product categories under Plants scope andunder Aquaculture scope as the base standard and the normative documents are available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. document center.
IDA add-on v1.1 will be combinable as an addition to valid IFA v5 certificates during an active
certification cycle until December 2024.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming IDA add-on v1.1 audits in combination with IFA v6
Smart/GFS will be done using IDA add-on v1.1.
2. What is new in IDA add-on v1.1?
The goal and main focus of this update is simplification of the add-on rules and the alignment with
IFA v6. A new API for IDA Plants between the farm management software and the
GLOBALG.A.P. system has been deployed (API specifications available here). This API includes
the registration of precipitation events and differentiates between the physical site (whole farm)and logical sites (fields and greenhouses). All changes for IDA FO v1 which has beencommunicated in previous technical newsletters have been implemented in the checklist and thegeneral regulations specifications. The API for Aquaculture is currently being deployed and it isexpected to be running in Q2 of 2024. Therefore, audits against IDA for the scope AQ will bepossible only after the launch of the IDA AQ API.
Main changes in the general regulations specifications
Alignment of the general regulations specifications with the other add-ons’ structure. A paragraph
was introduced, which allows producers who produce products registered for IDA add-on
seasonally only to digitally report data in this season. The new general rules specifications
highlight, that the producer shall use the same GGN/GLN with their service provider, as used on
the certificate. In case the producer already has a GLN (e.g., from an auction) the producer shalluse this GLN. Update of the product statuses, according to previous technical newsletter
communications.
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Main changes in the principles and criteria (P&Cs) (previously CPCCs)
Deleted Integrated Pest Management and General section, as they are covered in IFA v6 P&Cs.
Introduction of precipitation events as metric that has to be digitally recorded. Introduction of a
traceability P&C in case of parallel ownership. Introduction of Quality Management System P&Cs
for Option2/Option 1 multisite producers with QMS.
3. About IDA add-on v1.1 auditor and IHT training
In addition to the IFA plants or Aquaculture CB auditor qualifications, CB auditors need training
in order to be able to conduct audits against the IDA add-on.
Existing CBs, CB IHTs for IDA add-on v1.0
All CBs currently approved for IDA add-on v1.0 will be automatically approved for IDA add-on
v1.1. All already approved IDA add-on IHTs shall register and complete the IDA add-on v1.1
IHT training (online live and self-paced session) and successfully complete and pass the IDA
add-on auditor online test before the CB first audit against the new IDA add-on v1.1.
CB Academy plans to offer an IDA add-on v1.1 live session IHT training on 11 December 2023
at 14:00 CET. Please contact cbtraining@globalgap.org for further information on registration forthis training.
CB auditors previously approved for the IDA add-on v1.0
All CB auditors already approved for the IDA add-on v1.0 shall be trained by the IHT andsuccessfully complete and pass the online test for IDA add-on v1.1. This online test shall be
conducted within one month of when it becomes available in the GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in
the working language of the CB auditor.
New CBs: IHT and CB auditor training requirements
CBs not yet approved for the IDA add-on may apply by uploading a signed letter of intent in CBAT. A pre-condition for approval is that the CB shall have final approval for IFA v6. The annual
CB scope extension fee applies.
The CB IHT shall attend the IDA add-on IHT training offered by the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat
and successfully complete and pass the IDA add-on auditor online test.
CB Academy plans to offer an IDA add-on v1.1 live session IHT training on 11 December 2023
at 14:00 CET. Please contact cbtraining@globalgap.org for further information on registration forthis training.
The IHT trains the relevant CB auditors against this add-on who then have to complete and passthe IDA add-on online test as offered by the applicable GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems.
This online test shall be conducted within three months of when it becomes available in the
GLOBALG.A.P. CB Academy in the working language of the CB auditor.
Failing the test twice requires that the CB auditor retake the test proctored. Failing the third test
attempt requires that the CB auditor attends the GLOBALG.A.P. IDA add-on IHT training and takeand pass the IDA add-on auditor online test.
4.9

FSMA PSR add-on v2 CB auditor qualifications (New)The CB QMS and farm auditor requirements to attend Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) training
were unintentionally omitted in the FSMA PSR add-on version 2. CB auditor training for all FSMA
PSR add-on QMS and farm auditors and decision-making committee shall remain the same as in
v1.3:

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CB auditors shall demonstrate sufficient competence with the FDA’s FSMA PSR throughevidence of attendance at a Produce Safety Alliance training with an approved instructor. The
minimum expectation for CB auditors is the “Grower Training course” – minimum of eight-hour
duration, as offered by any approved trainer. This can be a private training by an approved trainer.
The list of “Grower Training courses” that are registered with PSA can be found here.
A list of approved trainers who can conduct a private class is here. Any one of these trainers canoffer the course to CBs and CB affiliates.
4.10 New GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS version 2 (New)GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2 (Scheme ID 604) is published on 1 December 2023 and become
obligatory from 1 January 2024 for IFA v6 Smart combined audits and for IFA v6 GFS as soon as
IFA v6 GFS is GFSI recognized and becomes mandatory.
GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2 is combinable with IFA v6 for Fruits and Vegetables under Plants scopeas the base standard.
GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2 is combinable with IFA v5.4-1 GFS, until IFA v6 GFS is GFSI recognizedand becomes mandatory.
What action must be taken?
1. Notify your clients
Please inform your clients that upcoming GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS audits in combination with IFA
v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS or IFA v5.4-1-GFS will be done using GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2 andthat they shall use the new checklists for self-assessments.
2. What is new in GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2?
The goal and main focus of this update is alignment of GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS with IFA v6.
The P&Cs on producer level remain the same as in GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v1.1
3. About GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2 auditor training
In addition to the IFA plants CB auditor qualifications, all the CB auditors shall attend the online
training and pass the test annually via the link here.
Existing CBs for GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v1.1
All CBs currently approved for GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v1.1 will be automatically approved for
GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v2.
CB auditors previously approved for the GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v1.1
All CB auditors already approved for GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS v1.1 shall attend the online training
and pass the test annually according to the current schedule, and do not need to do an additional
training or test for the new version.
New CBs: CB auditor training requirements
CBs not yet approved for GLOBALG.A.P. PLUS can send the request to Andrea Meizoso atmeizoso@globalgap.org. Another pre-condition for approval is that the CB shall have final
approval for IFA v6 and GRASP v2. The annual CB scope extension fee applies. GLOBALG.A.P.
Secretariat will complete the evaluation of your application.
Applicant CB auditors shall first need to complete the McDonald’s online training “Produce foodsafety training” and pass the proficiency test. Applicant CB auditors shall present the certificate
issued by McDonald’s to the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat in order to be approved.
CB auditors shall attend the online training and pass the test annually via the link here or contact
elearning@diversey.com
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5

GLOBALG.A.P. IT UPDATES

5.1

About GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems wiki (New)We would like to raise awareness to all CBs that the Secretariat created a wiki about all
GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems. This wiki is regularly updated with useful information for the users.
You can find it here. Any comments/suggestions for improvement about wiki are welcome in:customer_support@globalgap.org.
5.2

About CB-AT (New)

About auditors’ status
Currently there are still a number of auditors assigned IFA v6 Farm Assurance Products in CBAT with the approval status 'Open'. We kindly ask CBs that when all required documents are
uploaded in CB-AT to change the status to “Submitted to GLOBALG.A.P.” so that the Secretariat
can proceed with the reviews. We would like to clarify that the “temporarily approved” status of
the FAP´s in CB-AT allows the auditor to do audits in AOH under that FAP. We will allow CBs tocontinue uploading the required documents and assigning the respective statuses in CB-AT for
all FAPs until further notification.
In the meantime, CBs shall register all their auditors in CB-AT to assign them a GAIN number,before assigning an audit to the auditors. GLOBALG.A.P. database will validate during thetransition period described in point 2.1 that all registered auditors have passed the necessary
online tests.
CB application in CB-AT
Please note that the application for IFA v6 and several add-ons scope extensions are now done
directly in CB-AT. The process starts with the assigning of the Farm Assurance Product (FAP)
under the Certification Body Module. For IFA v6 application you will need to upload theconfirmation letter from the Accreditation Body. When done, please inform GLOBALG.A.P.
Secretariat by email so that application can be reviewed.
Please note that for all the CBs who received automatic approvals for IFA v6 and add-ons, theFAPs also need to be assigned in CB-AT. We advise CBs to check in the website or CB Extranet
their approval status before adding the FAP in CB-AT.
New role in CB-AT
The CB certificate signatory role has been included in CB-AT. This role is intended for the person
who signs the certificate in Validation Service, as communicated in TN 02/2023. No qualification
requirement or training applies for this role.
We would like to remind you that the reviewer and the Certification committee are also roles
available in CB-AT that CBs shall assign to their staff per FAP in order to use AOH and VS.
5.3

Audit Online Hub (AOH) updates

Previously communicated on 12 October 2023
Here we would like to communicate temporary changes in Audit Online Hub (AOH) (Legacy)
upload rules v1.1 July 2023 regarding only the percentage of uploading checklists (changes inblue). Following changes apply from 1 September 2023 until further notice:•

20% of all checklists for IFA v5.2, IFA v5.3, IFA v5.4-1-GFS, HPSS v1.2, or PHA v1.2 shallbe uploaded per month.

Those IFA checklists uploaded for the FSMA PSR add-on, the Nurture Module or because of theuse of GLOBALG.A.P. Remote may be counted towards the 20% referenced before.

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This is a temporary change and all other rules included in AOH (Legacy) upload rules v1.1 July
2023 remain unchanged.
5.4

About GLOBALG.A.P. database performance (New)We kindly ask CBs to avoid uploading large files where possible. The reason is that large files in
the upload queue cause significant delays for all CBs in the database. It is therefore
recommended that larger files are preferably uploaded in the evenings, as the database remains
active during the night.
We also kindly request that CBs check files carefully prior to uploading. Unsuccessful uploads
and subsequent re-uploads due to avoidable mistakes (e.g., incorrect O-key) is another reason
for delays.
Lastly, we kindly ask CBs to refrain from uploading the same file more than once. If you do missa reply email with regards to an upload, kindly contact the Customer Support Team instead. There
are instances where the same file has been uploaded five times, causing significant delay as aresult.
6

GLOBALG.A.P. FEES (New)If a legal entity requests in parallel IFA v5.4-1-GFS and IFA v6 GFS certification for the same
products, the IFA v6 certificate may be issued via Validation Service or GLOBALG.A.P. Database
and the IFA v5.4-1-GFS certificate is issued in the GLOBALG.A.P. database.
In such cases (parallel certification of production processes for same products against IFA v5.41-GFS and IFA v6 GFS), CBs shall align the valid to date of both certificates (IFA v6 GFS
certificate and IFA v5.4-1-GFS), to avoid double charge of GLOBALG.A.P. fees.
The Secretariat will cross check data of GGNs with double certification with same valid to date
and will not charge IFA v5.4-1-GFS fees.
When we have parallel IFA v6 Smart and IFA v6 GFS certification or IFA v6 Smart and IFA v5.41-GFS certification for the same products, fees will be charged as described in GLOBALG.A.P.
general fee table 2021.
7

PRODUCT LIST UPDATES (New)

There have been some updates to the GLOBALG.A.P. product list.
The latest versions of the GLOBALG.A.P. product list (v5.17 and v6.0_Jul23) is available on the
GLOBALG.A.P. website:
GLOBALG.A.P. product list v5.18
GLOBALG.A.P. product list v6.0_Nov23

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Product name

Change/Com
ment

Applicable
IFA version

Sub-scopes/product categories ID
numbers

v5

v6

FV

PPM

Ambarella fruit

New product:
Spondias
dulcisxx100963100964Brussels
sprouts

Correct
spelling of thisproduct.

x

x

17

508

Chaya/TreespinachNew product:
Cnidoscolus
aconitifoliusxx100967100968Enoki
mushroom

New product:
Flammulina
filiformisxx

100969Separatedfrom theproduct“Mushroom”
due to disease
outbreak risks
making it ahigh-risk crop
JujubeAdd anotherscientific nameunder thisproduct:
Ziziphusmauritiana

x

x

226

681

Miracle fruit

New product:
Synsepalum
dulcificumxx100965100966

Palm tree (forpalm hearts)

New product:
includesvarious spp.
Important noteis that thisproduct
excludesprocessing ofpalm heartsxx100961100962

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CC

FO

AQ

Product name

Change/Com
ment

Applicable
IFA version

Sub-scopes/product categories ID
numbers

v5

v6

FV

Peanut (green)

New product:
Arachishypogaeaxx100960Spider plant

Changedname to“Africancabbage”

xx

100127

PPM

CC

FO

100135---///---Sincerely,
GLOBALG.A.P. Certification Body Administration, Benchmarking, and Compliance team

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AQ