Fresh Perspectives Issue 10. GlobalGAP Version 3 threat or opportunity for small-scale African growers?
Abstract
Private standards compliance is becoming increasingly important for all fresh commodities produced in developing countries and sold in overseas markets. GlobalGAP (formerly EurepGAP) is one of the most widely recognised international standards. The standard was originally developed by (and for) European retailers to provide guidelines and monitor on-farm production. A new version - version 3 - was published in August 2007 to meet the increased expectations of consumers and retailers in Europe. This paper discusses the implications of version 3 for small-scale growers (SSGs) in Africa. Compliance with version 2 was demonstrably difficult for SSGs; version 3 does not make compliance easier and could accelerate SSGs' departure from export markets. Of the 236 control points in version 3, 40 are either new or require stricter compliance. For SSGs, some of these changes will not only mean increased costs but also may not be achievable at all, even when allowing for the cost savings associated with group membership under Option 2.
Citation
International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK, 2 pp.
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