This standard was introduced as a supplement to the BRC and IFS retail driven standards, and focuses on the primary sector rather than retail. It has established standards for production methods for produce (fruits and vegetables, combinable crops) and livestock (cattle and sheep, dairy, pigs and poultry), and for the methods employed by farmers and/or product/marketing organisations to control for the quality and safety of their products.

 

This option has established standards for individual farms.

 

This option has established standards for product/marketing and farmers cooperative organisations to assure the compliance of their registered farming members with the option 1 requirements.

 

The certification scheme was introduced in 2001 with the standards for produce (fruits and vegetables). In 2005 an integrated IFA (Integrated Farm Assurance) scheme was developed. This scheme will replace the produce scheme in 2007.

 

In 2001, ISACert was the first certification body to be accredited by RvA for this scheme.

 

For further information see: http://www.globalgap.org