A multiplicity of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) codes, standards and regulations have been developed in recent years by the food industry and producers organizations but also governments and NGOs, aiming to codify agricultural practices at farm level for a range of commodities. Their purpose varies from fulfilment of trade and government regulatory requirements (in particular with regard to food safety and quality), to more specific requirements of specialty or niche markets. The objective of these GAP codes, standards and regulations include, to a varying degree:
ensuring safety and quality of produce in the food chain
capturing new market advantages by modifying supply chain governance
improving natural resources use, workers health and working conditions, and/or
creating new market opportunities for farmers and exporters in developing countries.