Why do GAP codes, standards and regulations exist?
These GAP codes, programmes or standards exist because of growing concerns about food quality and safely worldwide. Their purpose varies from fulfilment of trade and government regulatory requirements, in particular with regard to food safely and quality, to more specific requirements of specially or niche markets. Their objectives range from ensuring safely 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 to creating new market opportunities for farmers and exporters in developing countries.
What are the main benefits and challenges?
The benefits of GAP codes, standards and regulations are numerous, including food quality and safety improvement; facilitation of market access and reduction in non-compliance risks regarding permitted pesticides, MRLs and other contamination hazards. The main challenges related to GAP implementation include an increase in production costs, especially record keeping, residue testing and certification, and inadequate access to information and support services.