GlobalG.A.P. has introduced the new GlobalG.A.P. IFA V5.4. The constantly changing market demands pertaining to food safety practices in this rapidly changing global economy have accelerated into major adjustments of policies, regulations, and standards. It is for this reason that GlobalG.A.P. is continuously making efforts of updating its assessment criteria to keep up with the market demands.
GlobalG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) version 5.4 publicly came into effect in July 2020 following amendments of GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) version 2020. Therefore, V5.3 and V5.4 are the only GlobalGAP standards that are internationally recognised and replace V5.2. If you are proceeding with V5.2, it is no longer recognised.
IFA version 5.4 features a summary of excerpts obligatory clauses applicable for crops, livestock, and Aquaculture membership. The clauses are binding to both single and group farm producers in the aspect of Quality Management System (QMS), on-farm inspections, Information and Communication Technology as well as inspections of the Certifying Bodies (CB) to mention a few.
The new GlobalG.A.P. Version 5.4 places emphasis on stricter audit protocols, hygiene, paperwork, and continual training of Auditors, Inspectors, and GlobalG.A.P. Farm Assurers. Furthermore, a once-off audit assessment is no longer enough, there must be evidence that the farm is being inspected regularly and that must be informed by a risk assessment.
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Key facts
- GlobalG.A.P. IFA V5.4 came into effect publicly in July 2020, following amendments to the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) 2020 version.
- V5.3 and V5.4 are the only internationally recognised GlobalG.A.P. standards and replace V5.2, which is no longer recognised.
- The version applies obligatory clauses across crops, livestock and aquaculture, binding both single and group farm producers.
- Affected areas include the Quality Management System (QMS), on-farm inspections, Information and Communication Technology, and inspections of the Certifying Bodies.
- A once-off audit is no longer enough: there must be evidence of regular farm inspections informed by a risk assessment.
- The version introduces stricter audit protocols, hygiene and paperwork requirements, and continual training of auditors, inspectors and GlobalG.A.P. Farm Assurers.
Frequently asked questions
What is GlobalG.A.P. IFA V5.4?
GlobalG.A.P. IFA V5.4 is an updated version of the Integrated Farm Assurance standard that came into effect publicly in July 2020, following amendments to the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) 2020 version. It carries obligatory clauses for crops, livestock and aquaculture and binds both single and group farm producers. The update reflects GlobalG.A.P.'s continuous effort to keep assessment criteria aligned with market demands.
Is GlobalG.A.P. V5.2 still recognised?
No. According to the article, V5.2 is no longer recognised. V5.3 and V5.4 are the only internationally recognised GlobalG.A.P. standards, and they replace V5.2. Producers still proceeding with V5.2 should note it no longer carries recognition.
What are the main changes in IFA V5.4?
V5.4 emphasises stricter audit protocols, hygiene, paperwork and continual training of auditors, inspectors and GlobalG.A.P. Farm Assurers. It applies obligatory clauses to the Quality Management System (QMS), on-farm inspections, Information and Communication Technology, and inspections of the Certifying Bodies. A once-off audit is no longer enough.
Does IFA V5.4 require ongoing inspections rather than a single audit?
Yes. The article states that a once-off audit assessment is no longer enough. There must be evidence that the farm is being inspected regularly, and that inspection schedule must be informed by a risk assessment. This shifts certification toward continuous, risk-based monitoring.
Which farming scopes and producers does IFA V5.4 apply to?
IFA V5.4 applies to crops, livestock and aquaculture. It is binding on both single farm producers and group farm producers. The obligatory clauses cover areas such as the Quality Management System, on-farm inspections and Information and Communication Technology.
Is it possible to do version 6 now and skip version 5.4?
Good day Suné,
Audits for GlobalG.A.P. version 6 will be conducted from 1 May 2023. If you need certification before then, you will need to implement Version 5.4.
Kind regards,
ASC Consultants Support Team
Good day,
Till when will 5.4 be in use?
Good day, Connie
Version 5.4 audits will continue until April 2023. Thereafter, version 6 will be applicable but if you are still certified with v5.4 it will remain valid until the next audit cycle. In other words, if you are certified with V5.4 in October 2022, it will still be valid until that date following which you will be audited on V6.
Thanks for the good question!
ASC Team