Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) is GLOBALG.A.P.’s flagship standard.

IFA 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.

IFA is tried, tested, and trusted around the world with over 200,000 producers under certification worldwide.

GLOBALG.A.P. offers you one core product: GLOBALG.A.P. Certification , available for 3 scopes of production: Crops, Livestock, Aquaculture and consisting of a total of more than 40 standards.

How it works

The IFA standard is made up of several documents:

• The rules: The GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations map out the requirements for the successful implementation of the standard as well as setting guidelines for its verification and regulation.
• The checklists: Principles and criteria (in v6, control points and compliance criteria in v5) which clearly define the requirements for achieving the quality standard required by GLOBALG.A.P. Each principle is graded as a Major Must, a Minor Must, or a Recommendation.
• National interpretation guidelines (NIGs) clarify how the principles and criteria have been adapted in a specific country. NIGs must be used in every country where they are available.
• Standard guidelines are also available for each product category to help implement the standard

Latest IFA Versions

IFA v6 is the latest version. A first interim final version was published on 26 April 2022 after a major revision of v5, and the final version was published on 29 September 2022. Until 1 January 2024, when IFA v6 becomes obligatory, multiple IFA versions are valid, including choices for those who require certification with GFSI recognition.

IFA Certification Options

Certification can be achieved by both individual producers and producer groups. There are different GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations for each option.

Option 1: Individual producer with or without an optional quality management system
Option 2: Producer group with a mandatory quality management system

IFA Certification Audits and Status 

Audits take place on a yearly basis, as defined in the GLOBALG.A.P. general regulations, according to the relevant checklist for each production process. To successfully pass the audit, producers must comply with 100% of the Major Musts and 95% of the Minor Musts. Corrective actions must be proposed for all non-compliances and submitted to the CB within 28 days of the audit. Non-compliances must be verified as closed and compliant before a certificate is issued.

A successful audit results in a certificate which is valid for ONE YEAR. The certification status is visible in the GLOBALG.A.P. IT systems (the database and Validation Service).

Why work with LSQA Middle East?

LSQA Middle East is a world leading accredited Global.G.A.P certification body, with accreditation for globally recognized programmes including all schemes of GlobalGAP Certification; GlobalGAP Database. At LSQA Middle East, we offer you more than a certificate. We have the expertise, experience, and global presence to support and guide you through the entire process, helping you meet the challenges and maximize the benefits of GlobalGAP certification.

More Information About GlobalGAP:  GlobalGAP