Almeria's horticultural sector was chosen by GLOBALG.A.P. to be the first to meet the new GLOBALG.A.P. standard (version 5), presented by Ignacio Antequera, head of the technical team. "The latest draft of the standard was exclusively presented before its publication in June. This is a new version of the standard to which nearly 400 changes have been made, among which we can highlight the strengthening of microbiological controls and of the promotion of a responsible use of water. The standard for plant propagation material has also been included to ensure the certification of such products becomes easier."
The new version will be released in mid-June 2015. Between June 2015 and June 2016, producers may choose to be certified with the current version (ver. 4) or the new (ver. 5). From July 2016, only version 5 will be applicable.
As explained by Ignacio Antequera, producers will have a period of one year to adjust to the changes, and while a learning period will be necessary, the transition should be simple. "The needs of producers and the demands of their clients have been the key throughout the revision process, carried out for over two years. We have also listened to other interested parties, including certification bodies, national working groups and private associations, which were interested in taking part in the development of the standard during the public consultation period."
'What does REWE demand from its suppliers?'
This was the topic discussed by Guido Siebenmorgen, director of Sustainability of the German chain, who stressed that the Rewe Group has more than 15,000 stores and 330,000 employees. Rewe believes growth will only be possible if resources are preserved, employees and partners are treated fairly and a contribution is made to society.
"We are convinced that quality does not refer only to the products' primary properties, but also refers to issues related to the environment; for this reason, our goal is to promote more sustainable consumption and products, taking into account issues such as groundwater pollution and biodiversity. Another very important issue is the development of social standards."
Simplification of production rules by a single certifying body
Juan Colomina, COEXPHAL manager, was in charge of closing the GLOBAL G.A.P. Tour with a conference on the 'Certification strategy of Spanish producers'. "Up to 26 certifications are needed in Almeria for a trader to be in the market. For this reason, COEXPHAL's strategy is focused on finding a way to simplify the rules under a single certification that gives us credibility and can reduce certification costs. We seek a standard; a unique, reliable and demanding certification system accepted by all distributors, with new and emerging schemes, which ensures we become more competitive, and we believe this standard is GLOBALG.A.P."
