The GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture Standard brings to the market a complete solution for buyers and suppliers, based on current market demands, covering the key sustainability aspects that the animal production for human consumption is required to achieve. Operating since 2004, certified farms feedback reflects that this certification turns into a practical guide to their operations through detailed criteria written in a friendly and clear manner satisfying GLOBALG.A.P. purpose on working hand in hand with producers. Although the ultimate goal is to obtain certification, the standard is the best tool the aquaculture sector can adopt to properly manage their operations. Currently there are 38 species certified for the finfish, crustaceans and molluscs in 32 countries worldwide.
The aspects covered are those stipulated by the FAO Technical Guidelines on Aquaculture certification. With strong governance reliability, including the robust Integrity Program. This pioneering program is the first of its kind in food certification, and is designed to ensure consistent delivery and implementation of the standard worldwide. It acts as a feedback mechanism that serves the ongoing improvement of the GLOBALG.A.P. System in all its aspects, promoting transparency and integrity.
The key elements of the GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture standard are currently recognized and evaluated.
∙βFood safety: is the ONLY certification scheme recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative - GFSI for farming of fish.
∙βEnvironment: recognized by the Global Seafood Sustainability Initiative - GSSI Apr 2018.
∙βAnimal Health: the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code criteria for farms is covered by the standard. The robust Veterinary Health Plan requirements is a reliable backing that farms give value.
∙βAnimal Welfare: on top of animal health, GLOBALG.A.P. Aquaculture has been recognized as the only international private standard outside the UK that covers animal welfare practices at harvest and slaughter. Further animal welfare innovative criteria is spread for all production stages.
∙βWorkers Occupational Health & Safety: workers are key to efficient operations, appropriate training is included in the requirements.
∙βWorkers Welfare: GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practices is compulsory to assess.
The scope covers full production chain verification of: Broodstock, Seedlings, Feed, Farming Post harvest activities up to the point of sale for final consumers.