BWI: Indian National Interpretation of Global GAP Finalized

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Quality Council of India (QCI)
Monday, August 23, 2010 10:36 AM IST (05:06 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Agriculture, Banking & financial services, Business services, Financial Analyst, Media & entertainment
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Indian National Interpretation of Global GAP Finalized
The National Interpretation would Facilitate Implementation and Certification of GlobalGAP Standards taking Indian Conditions into Account rather than Impose Unreasonable Expectations of the West on Indian Farmer

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Monday, August 23, 2010 -- (Business Wire India) -- In order to facilitate certification to the internationally accepted GlobalGAP standards for Good Agricultural Practices in India, Quality Council of India has finalized the Indian National Interpretation of GlobalGAP standards for crops which is now being forwarded to the GlobalGAP secretariat in Germany for their endorsement. Once endorsed, the document would become a requirement for GlobalGAP certification in India and facilitate certification in Indian conditions.

It is necessary to mention here that QCI had signed and MoU with GlobalGAP to establish a National Technical Working Group in India in May, 2008. Dr. Mangala Rai, the then Secretary (DARE) & DG ICAR was appointed to chair the NTWG which has various stakeholders like concerned Ministries, retail chains, industry bodies and certification bodies as members. The NTWG met 4 times in last one and a half years to deliberate on the national interpretation before finalizing it.

Since in each country the cultural practices may differ, GlobalGAP has provided in its regulations for establishment of what is called the National Technical Working Group (NTWG) in each country to align the country-specific practices with Global GAP. GlobalGAP seeks to gain qualified inputs from National Experts in their own language with respect to interpretation as well as specific legal and structural conditions within the different areas covered by Global GAP. Any interpretation of guidelines as applicable in their respective countries developed by NTWG shall be placed before GlobalGAP for approval, once approved; it becomes applicable to the respective country.

Already over 17 countries including Thailand, China, Japan, Kenya, Argentina, Brazil etc. have established their NTWGs and benchmarked their respective countries' GAP's to new Global GAP.

India has as much as 1620388 sq. km. of agricultural land and has a great untapped potential to enter international market in agricultural produce sector. India needs to establish a conformity assessment infrastructure aligned with GlobalGAP requirements. QCI, through its National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) has already put in place a scheme for accreditation of certification bodies as per ISO Guide 65, which is the basis for accreditation under GlobalGAP, and has already granted FIRST accreditation to M/s Foodcert India Ltd, a Hyderabad based certification body to certify as per GlobalGAP standards. It has 3 more applications from certification bodies for accreditation to ISO Guide 65.

On this occasion Dr Giridhar J Gyani, Secretary General, QCI observed "The fresh fruits and vegetables export from India are facing a demand for GlobalGAP certification from the retailers in Europe and other developed countries and the national interpretation would facilitate implementation and certification of GlobalGAP standards taking Indian conditions into account rather than impose unreasonable expectations of the west on Indian farmer. This also helps meet the regulations of importing countries' in respect of contaminants like pesticide residues etc."

GlobalGAP (earlier EurepGAP) has gained worldwide acceptance and many Indian exporters are facing a demand for GlobalGAP certification from their buyers. GlobalGAP (The Global Partnership for Good Agricultural Practices, Think Global, Act Local) extends to over 80 countries covering about 80000 certificates worldwide.

About Quality Council of India

Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous non-profit organtzation set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). QCI is governed by a Council of 38 members with equal representation of Government, Industry and Consumers. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister's Office.

Current focus areas of the Council are:
Industry
Education
Public Services
Healthcare

VISION

To be Amongst the world's leading national apex quality facilitation, accreditation and surveillance organizations, to continuously improve the climate, systems, processes and skills for total quality.

MISSION
To help India achieve and sustain total quality and reliability, in all areas of life, work, environment, products and services, at individual, organizational, community and societal levels.

OBJECTIVES OF QCI
Establish and maintain an Accreditation Structure in the country
Provide right and unbiased information on Quality & related standards
Spread Quality Movement in India
Represent India's interest in international forums
Help establish brand equity of Indian products and services


CONTACT DETAILS
Sunil Singh, Media Adviser- Quality Council of India, SS Public Relations, +91 9899161154, singh.s99@gmail.com, sspublicrelation@gmail.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, AGRICULTURE, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, Financial Analyst, MEDIA

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