NZGAP-Local 

Have your say on review of the NZGAP-Local Programme (27 Aug 2024)

Updated: 13 Sept 2024

Overview

As part of the review and refresh of all NZGAP Programmes, the NZGAP Standard has been updated and we are seeking your feedback on the draft update to ensure it is right for you. The updated version of NZGAP will be called NZGAP-Local. The name change reflects the need to clearly distinguish the different NZGAP certification Programmes from one another. NZGAP has reviewed and updated the NZGAP-Local Programme Rules and the Checklist to ensure clarity, consistency and ease of use for operators (producers, postharvest handlers, transporters, wholesalers, brokers). Please refer to the sections below to view the Rules and Checklist before providing feedback.

Note that the NZGAP-GLOBALG.A.P Equivalent Programme was consulted on earlier this year and is currently being reviewed by GLOBALG.A.P. If you have any questions about this programme, please contact Kate McDermott via email or call 027 295 9584.

New Checklist (draft)

The NZGAP-Local checklist is what will be used for an operator's annual self-assessment and for audits by the certification body. It is therefore essential that the checklist makes sense for operators and contains requirements that are relevant for your operations.  The NZGAP-Local checklist consists of the operator requirements only. Over time guidelines will be developed to support operators with the implementation of the requirements. We want to hear from operators to make sure that the requirements in the checklist are clear but also what additional resource/support would be beneficial. Included in the checklist is a description of which clauses are relevant to which operation types (e.g. Producer, Post-harvest handler, Transporter, Wholesaler and Broker).

New Rules (draft)

The Programme Rules outline the requirements for participation in the NZGAP-Local Programme. The rules are written to ensure that operators (producers, postharvest handlers, transporters, wholesalers, brokers) are aware of what they need to do to achieve and maintain certification. The Rules cover requirements related to document control, scope, registration, operator responsibilities, audits, achieving and maintaining certification, monitoring of compliance, complaints and much more. Note: These programme rules do not contain rules for grower groups, these will be consulted on separately. 


Feedback Form

We welcome your feedback on both the Programme Rules and the Checklist.   The icon above will direct you to a form where you can provide your comments. All fields are optional but to help us ensure this programme works for you please include as much information as possible. Where applicable include the clause number of the rules or checklist that your comment refers to. We are happy to receive feedback anonymously, however, if you provide contact details we have the opportunity to get in touch with you to clarify feedback if necessary. Alternatively, if you have any questions or would prefer to provide feedback another way you can contact Kate McDermott via email or call 027 295 9584.

We will be accepting feedback until 31st October 2024. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the timeframes for implementation of NZGAP-Local?

You don’t need to do anything yet! The NZGAP-Local Programme will likely be available around mid-2025. Once the launch date is finalised, operators will be given notification of the transition timeframe to move to the new version. There will be plenty of time to become familiar with the new programme and make any adjustments to systems, prior to having to move to the new version.

Why is the NZGAP-Local Checklist so long?

The new checklist may at first glance look like it's bigger than the current checklist. This is not the case. We have incorporated a lot of detail in relation to the requirements to meet the outcomes in the checklist. Currently this information is held in the manual. We’d be interested to know if this makes the requirements clearer and easier to access/understand.

The current NZGAP checklist has 139 points, of which 108 are applicable to growers. The draft NZGAP-Local checklist has 102 outcomes, 87 of which are applicable to growers. So, you can see we have consolidated the checklist requirements. The checklist will work in the same way in that if a requirement does not apply to your operation, then it can be marked as Not Applicable (N/A).

What do I need to do with the NZGAP-Local Rules?

The NZGAP-Local rules are required to cover all scenarios and are mainly used by the NZGAP team to ensure consistency in terms of how the NZGAP programme is administered. We do not expect operators to refer to these often. However, it is important to understand these are available as they do form the basis of the programmes and include some of your obligations as certified operators.

Why are Grower Groups not included?

NZGAP Grower Group rules are currently under development and will be consulted on separately. NZGAP is already working closely with Grower Groups on the development of these rules. If you have a specific interest in Grower Groups and have questions or wish to provide comments, please get in touch with Kate via: kate.mcdermott@nzgap.co.nz or 027 295 9584.

Is there any extra guidance material?

Additional guidance for operators to help comply with checklist requirements will be developed in time. If you have thoughts on what type of guidance is needed, what you would find useful, the format that guidance could be provided in, or any other comments please get in touch. We appreciate those that have taken the time so far to provide feedback and would encourage others to do so as well. We are taking feedback until the end of October. Relevant documents and how to provide feedback can be found above.