NExT Kenya: training on key GLOBALG.A.P changes

On 8 November 2022, the NExT Kenya programme trained 22 staff from horticulture producing and exporting companies on “Key changes on GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6”. The training had a rich mix of participants, including compliance managers, quality managers, staff managing the quality management system (QMS) and internal auditors (QMS and farm auditors).

The training was designed around recent version updates leading to GLOBALG.A.P IFA v6, the final version of which was published on 29 September 2022. The training aimed to update middle managers’ technical skills on the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA version 6 to allow them to make the necessary changes within their company to guarantee compliance with the latest IFA v6.

The participants were taken through GLOBALG.A.P.’s General Regulations, and principles and criteria relating to the plants’ scope (fruit and vegetables category). The learner satisfaction survey conducted at the end of the training revealed a positive response from participants, with one remarking that “the training is well timed and indeed it will help in preparing for the IFA version 6 [implementation]”. Another participant commented on the collaborative aspect of the training, saying that “I interacted and shared experiences with people from various organisations on challenges”.

Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) is GLOBALG.A.P.’s flagship standard. Developed in consultation with stakeholders across the entire global supply chain, it takes a holistic approach to responsible farming and is audited annually by accredited, independent third-party certification bodies (CBs).

The IFA standard includes three scopes containing multiple product categories that cover agriculture, floriculture, aquaculture and livestock. The certification status of all producers is visible in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems for transparency in the supply chain.

This activity is implemented by COLEACP and supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders.