GlobalGAP

GlobalGAP, meaning ‘Good Agricultural Practices’, is based in Germany and is derived from EUREPGAP and has many overlapping best practices and requirements with other GAP programs incluing CanadaGAP. CanadaGAP is originally based on a framework of strict Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards. GlobalGAP certification program is widely recognized and applied to various markets globally, particularly in Europe, North America, and other regions with strict food safety regulations. The organization's certification is often required by major European, North American and international retailers to guarantee the quality and safety of fresh produce. The organization works with farmers, producers, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture practices, reduce environmental impact, and ensure consumer safety and covers various crop types including fruits, vegetables, flowers and beyond.

Cost:
Costs will range from $800 - $3500USD. Cost for becoming GlobalGAP certified will vary depending on the size and complexity of your organization and which specific certifications and add-ons are being applied for.

Time:
Time to prepare for the audit will vary but the auditing process for GlobalGAP is quite quick compared to others in this list. The audit itself will take 1-3 days, allow for 2-6 weeks for corrective action recommendations and adjustments and then 1-2 weeks to acquire certification insurance.

Overlap:
IFS, SQF, BRCGS, Primus GFS

Frameworks:
HACCP, CanadaGAP, ISO22000, GSFI

SQF

SQF is a food safety certification program based on GSFI standards and one of the only certifications recognized by GSFI now as a comprehensive platform for implementing GSFI standards. SQF was developed in 1994 by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in the United States and is now managed by the SQF Institute. Certification provides a comprehensive framework for managing food safety and quality. Many major retailers, foodservice providers, and distributors require their suppliers to be SQF certified.

Cost:
Total costs can range from $4000 - $8000USD for an initial audit and will vary depending on the size and complexity of your operation. Recertification audits occur every 2-3 years and rangea from $2500 - $5000USD.

Time:
The total time to certification can vary depending on prep time and the size of the organization, but typically ranges from 3-9 months.

Overlap:
GlobalGAP, Primus GFS

Frameworks:
GSFI, HACCP

IFS

IFS certification is based in Berlin and is commonly required by many European retailers, including those in Germany, France, Italy, and other countries. The standard is also recognized and accepted by many global companies, making it a valuable certification for businesses looking to export their products to Europe or work with European partners. The IFS standard is designed to ensure the quality and safety of products, as well as the reliability and performance of suppliers.

Cost:
Costs will vary depending on the size of your organization:

• Small organizations (less than 10 employees): $2000 - $3,900USD /year
• Medium-sized organizations (10-50 employees): $3250 - $7700USD /year
• Large organizations (more than 50 employees): $6500 - $15,500USD /year

Time:
Typically, the audit and certification process will last between 6 - 12 months depending on the size and complexity of your organization.

Overlap:
GlobalGAP, BRCGS, PrimusGFS, SQF

Frameworks:
ISO22000, HACCP

BRCGS

BRCGS (formerly known as the British Retail Consortium) is a global standards organization that specializes in developing and implementing standards for food safety, packaging, and other industries. It is based in Britain and is best recognized in the UK, EU and NA. BRCGS standards are also applied in other regions, such as Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, particularly by companies that export food products to Europe or North America. However, the primary focus of BRCGS remains on the European and North American markets.

Cost:
The total cost of becoming certified can range from £2,000 to £20,000 (approximately $2,600 to $26,000 USD) per year, depending on your organization's specific size, needs, and circumstances.

Time:
The entire process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to complete, depending on the complexity of your organization and the frequency of audits.

Overlap:
IFS, FSSC 22000

Frameworks:
HACCP, ISO2200, Codex Alimentarius

FSSC 22000

The Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC), which owns and manages the FSSC 22000 scheme, was established in 2004 and is based in the Netherlands. Many European food manufacturers, processors, and distributors adopt FSSC 22000 as their preferred certification scheme. Companies exporting food products to the US and Canada often choose FSSC 22000 due to its recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and HACCP and ISO2200 frameworks. Countries like China, Japan, and Australia have a significant number of FSSC 22000-certified companies, particularly in the food manufacturing and processing sectors.

Cost:
Overall, the total cost of becoming FSSC 22000 certified can range from approximately $2,200 to $22,000 USD / year, depending on your organization's specific needs, size and complexity.

Time:
The entire process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to complete, depending on the complexity of your organization and the frequency of audits.

Overlap:
GlobalGAP, BRCGS, IFS, SQF

Frameworks:
GSFI, HACCP, ISO 22000

PrimusGFS

PrimusGFS (Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Safety) is a GFSI benchmarked certification program that provides a comprehensive framework, including HACCP standards, for ensuring food safety in the production, processing, and handling of foods. The organization was founded in California in 1998 with the goal of providing a robust and effective food safety certification program for the fresh produce industry. PrimusGFS is widely recognized and accepted by major retailers, foodservice providers, and regulatory bodies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Many companies in Latin America, particularly those exporting produce to North America, use PrimusGFS as their preferred certification program.

Cost:
The total cost of becoming PrimusGFS certified can range from $2,000 to $20,000 or more per year, depending on your organization's specific needs and circumstances.

Time:
The entire process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to complete, depending on the complexity of your organization and the frequency of audits.

Overlap:
GlobalGAP, BRCGS, IFS, SQF

Frameworks:
GSFI, HACCP, ISO 22000

Regenerative Organic Certified

Regenerative Organic Certified is a certification program that verifies agricultural practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare while also enhancing the overall ecosystem. The ROC standard is based on three pillars: Soil Health, Animal Welfare, and Farmworker Fairness, aiming to create a more sustainable and regenerative food system. By meeting rigorous standards in these areas, farms can become certified, providing consumers with assurance that their food was produced using practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and animal well-being, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

Rainforest Alliance Certification

The Rainforest Alliance Certification is a seal of approval that verifies products, such as coffee, chocolate, and bananas, meet rigorous environmental and social standards. To become certified, farms and companies must undergo a thorough audit to ensure they are meeting criteria related to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and fair labor practices, including protecting biodiversity, conserving water and soil, and providing decent living and working conditions for farmers and workers. By choosing products with the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, consumers can support responsible farming practices that promote environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

Naturland

Naturland is a German-based organic farming association that offers a certification program for organic farmers, processors, and traders. The Naturland certification ensures that products meet rigorous standards for organic production, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability, exceeding the requirements of the European Union's organic regulation. To become certified, producers must undergo regular inspections and comply with strict guidelines on issues such as biodiversity, soil conservation, and fair trade practices, in addition to adhering to traditional organic principles like avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By choosing Naturland-certified products, consumers can trust that they are supporting farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and high-quality, healthy food.

Sustainably Grown

The Sustainably Grown certification, offered by SCS Global Services, is a comprehensive standard that verifies the sustainability of agricultural production systems. This certification assesses farming operations against rigorous criteria, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. To achieve certification, farms must demonstrate adherence to best practices in areas such as soil health, water conservation, biodiversity, fair labor conditions, and community engagement. The Sustainably Grown standard is based on internationally recognized principles and is designed to promote continuous improvement in sustainable agriculture, providing assurance to consumers that certified products have been grown with consideration for the well-being of people, the planet, and the long-term viability of farming operations.

Non-GMO Project

The Non-GMO Project is a third-party certification program that verifies whether products have met rigorous standards for GMO avoidance. The Non-GMO Project certifies products that contain less than 0.9% genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is in line with international standards for GMO labeling. To become certified, products must undergo a multi-step process, including ingredient review, on-site inspections, and DNA testing to ensure compliance with the program's standards. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is then applied to products that meet these standards, providing consumers with assurance that the product has been thoroughly evaluated and meets strict criteria for GMO avoidance, giving them more informed choices about the food and products they buy.

EWG Certified

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization that provides certifications for products that meet rigorous standards for safety, sustainability, and transparency. The EWG Certified mark is awarded to products that have undergone a thorough review of their ingredients, labeling, and manufacturing processes to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals, toxins, and pollutants. To become certified, products must comply with EWG's strict criteria, which includes avoiding the use of over 1,500 chemicals known to be hazardous to human health or the environment, as well as meeting standards for animal testing, fragrance disclosure, and eco-friendliness. By looking for the EWG Certified mark, consumers can trust that the products they choose are safer, more sustainable, and better for their health and the planet.

Farm Sustainability Assessment

The Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) is a certification program developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, a global organization that promotes sustainable agriculture practices. The FSA is a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates farm sustainability across a range of indicators, including environmental, social, and economic criteria. The certification process involves a self-assessment questionnaire completed by farmers, which is then verified by an independent auditor to ensure compliance with the FSA's 112 questions covering topics such as soil health, water management, biodiversity, labor rights, and farm economics. By achieving FSA certification, farms can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, while also providing assurance to buyers, consumers, and other stakeholders that their products are produced in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Demeter Biodynamic Organic Standard

The Demeter Biodynamic Organic Standard certification is a rigorous and holistic certification that verifies farms and products meet the highest standards of biodynamic and organic practices. To achieve certification, farms must adhere to a comprehensive set of guidelines that go beyond traditional organic standards, emphasizing the use of natural materials, minimal external inputs, and a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. The standard encompasses eight key aspects: farm as a self-contained organism, soil conservation and improvement, biodiversity, integrated pest management, animal welfare, water conservation, waste management, and social responsibility, ensuring that certified farms prioritize environmental sustainability, social equity, and animal well-being, resulting in high-quality, sustainable products that promote ecological balance and support healthy ecosystems.

Fair Wild

The Fair Wild certification is a third-party verified standard that ensures sustainable and equitable trade practices in the wild-harvested plant sector, including the fresh produce industry. The certification, managed by the FairWild Foundation, promotes fair trade, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability, guaranteeing that wild-harvested plants are collected in a way that respects the rights of local communities, ensures fair prices and working conditions for collectors, and maintains healthy ecosystems. By choosing products with the Fair Wild label, consumers can trust that their purchase supports responsible and sustainable sourcing practices, contributing to the conservation of wild plant species and the well-being of rural communities that depend on them for their livelihoods.

Climate Activator

The Climate Activator certification is a program designed to recognize and support companies in the fresh produce industry that are taking proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact. By achieving this certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to measuring, reducing, and offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions, as well as implementing sustainable practices throughout their operations. The certification process involves a comprehensive assessment of a company's carbon footprint, energy usage, water management, waste reduction, and other sustainability metrics, with the goal of providing a verifiable and transparent way to showcase a company's dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ultimately helping to drive industry-wide progress towards a more sustainable future.

Equitable Food Initiative

The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is a non-profit certification and skill-building program that aims to improve the lives of farmworkers while also increasing the productivity and competitiveness of farms. EFI certification is based on a set of standards that address issues such as worker safety, fair labor practices, and pest management, with a focus on collaborative problem-solving and continuous improvement. By certifying farms that meet these standards, EFI helps to promote transparency, accountability, and social responsibility in the fresh produce industry, while also providing benefits to workers, growers, and buyers, including improved working conditions, increased efficiency, and enhanced market access.

FairTrade (US) Certified

Fair Trade USA certification ensures that farmers and workers in the fresh produce industry are treated fairly and paid a living wage, while also promoting sustainable farming practices. To become certified, farms must meet rigorous standards that include fair prices, safe working conditions, and direct trade relationships between buyers and producers. Certified farms also receive a community development premium, which is used to fund projects such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements in the local community. By choosing Fair Trade USA-certified produce, consumers can support farmers and workers who are working to improve their lives and communities, while also promoting more equitable and sustainable trade practices throughout the supply chain.

Fair Food Program

The Fair Food Program is a certification initiative that promotes fair labor standards and safe working conditions for farmworkers in the fresh produce industry. The program, launched by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), sets rigorous standards for farms to ensure fair wages, respectful treatment, and protection from abuse and exploitation. To become certified, farms must undergo regular audits and demonstrate compliance with the program's code of conduct, which includes provisions such as paid rest breaks, safe transportation, and access to shade and water. Participating buyers, including major retailers and restaurants, agree to only purchase produce from certified farms, creating a market-driven incentive for growers to prioritize worker well-being and social responsibility. By promoting transparency, accountability, and fair labor practices, the Fair Food Program aims to improve the lives of farmworkers and create a more just and equitable food system.

Navigating the complex and crowded landscape of certifications in the fresh produce industry can be overwhelming, but it's often a crucial step towards business and market expansion. These certifications go a long way toward enhancing your reputation, increasing market access, and differentiating yourself from competitors. By understanding the various certifications related to food safety, sustainability, labor practices, and trade relationships, you can make informed decisions about which certifications are most beneficial for your organization.

This resource page is meant to provide an overview of some of the most recognized certifications in the industry. While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope it can serve as a starting point for your certification journey. Carefully evaluate each certification's relevance to your business, its alignment with your values and goals, and its potential impact on your operations and market access. Investing in tools to help with certifications and audits can be a great way to prepare for these processes and shorten the time to certification. Certifications will take longer if farm activity, input and employee records are not digitally accessible and searchable. Croptracker, for example, offers general farm record keeping as well as specifically formatted records for GAP audits.