Japan GAP Foundation

■Abstract

The Japan GAP Foundation has established a new additional standard called "+SA" to further strengthen the sustainability of JGAP and ASIAGAP. Benchmarking with the "FSA" standard operated by the international organization SAI Platform, which focuses on the sustainability of agriculture, has confirmed that by implementing "+SA" alongside JGAP and ASIAGAP, the standards are equivalent to FSA silver level.

Certified farms that obtain both JGAP, ASIAGAP, and "+SA" certifications are recognized for implementing world-class sustainable agriculture practices.

■FSA（Farm Sustainability Assessment） by SAI Platform

"SAI Platform," headquartered in Belgium and established in 2002 with a goal of promoting sustainable agriculture, is an international organization. It boasts a membership of over 170 organizations spanning various sectors of the food system including agricultural cooperatives, manufacturing industries, and retailers. The "Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA)" provided by SAI Platform is an evaluation system focused on sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to the requirements typically covered by general GAP certifications, FSA features more detailed aspects such as management of water and soil, confirmation of land rights for producers, and emphasis on labor management that prioritizes human rights.

FSA itself operates a structured assessment system akin to certification schemes and includes mechanisms for benchmarking against other standards. Compliance levels are categorized into gold, silver, and bronze. Globally, numerous standards related to agriculture have been approved. Within the Principles for Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) used by The Coca-Cola Company for sourcing agricultural products, requirements include benchmarks equivalent to at least the bronze level of FSA.

SAI Platform's website

■The concept of benchmarking compliance

In response to the global support for FSA, which focuses on the sustainability of agriculture through initiatives like benchmarking, we have decided to integrate benchmarking into JGAP and ASIAGAP to align with global trends in agriculture.

To address current shortcomings and meet benchmarking requirements, we have developed an add-on standard that supplements JGAP and ASIAGAP with specific management criteria tailored for compliance with FSA. This add-on standard aligns at the silver level, similar to what is achieved by certifications like Rainforest Alliance and GLOBALG.A.P. (simultaneously with GRASP add-on).

This add-on standard is designed to accommodate farms certified under either JGAP or ASIAGAP, ensuring compatibility across both certification frameworks. 

■The contents and implementation of standards

The number of items in the add-on standards is 10 for JGAP and 14 for ASIAGAP. The higher number of items in ASIAGAP is due to the latest JGAP 2022, which has strengthened the items related to sustainability. Additionally, the audit is conducted simultaneously with the audits for JGAP and ASIAGAP.

 <Main contents of the control points>

1.    Confirmation of land use rights
2.    Implementation of transparent commercial transactions
3.    Compliance with laws and regulations related to agricultural management
4.    Conclusion of sales contracts
5.    Proper use of pesticides as required by FSA
6.    Appropriate recruitment activities for workers
7.    Consideration of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
8.    Handling of fertilizers with consideration for the surrounding environment, etc.

+SA General Regulations
+SA CPCC for Farm
+SA CPCC for Group Administration

■Future Schedule

・Publication: July 1
・Online Training for Auditor, Instructor and Farms：start since July
・Operational Start (Acceptance of Audit Applications): November 1