New Zealand GAP - formerly the New Zealand Fresh Produce Approved Supplier Programme - is a quality assurance scheme that ensures best practices are in place for the production, packaging and distribution of fruit, vegetables and flowers. The programme covers 80 per cent of all New Zealand grown and marketed fresh produce including major export crops such as top fruit and kiwifruit.
Over the last four months the programme has undergone a substantial review to ensure it continues to meet market demands. The major change was to the programme’s name - it is now known as New Zealand GAP. Changes were also made to the scheme’s content, for example stepping up the guidance around nutrient usage. It has EurepGAP equivalence and is benchmarked to other global standards.
Russell Jordan, chair of the New Zealand GAP management committee, says that the changes should make it easier for New Zealand exporters of fresh produce to access international markets.
“The GAP concept is well understood by overseas retailers,” said Jordan. “Exporters we’ve spoken to say incorporating Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) into the programme’s name will make it easier to promote overseas because it clearly demonstrates a commitment to best practice in regards to safe food production.
“The new name promotes the key benefit of the programme to all customers in the supply chain by making it clear what the programme stands for - good agricultural practice,” he said.
For more information visit www.newzealandgap.co.nz.
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