Latest News

Here are the latest updates from NZGAP

New version of the EMS coming soon

The NZGAP-EMS (Environment Management System) is currently under review, with a new version,
EMSv2, expected to be released late 2026 / early 2027. Updates are being made to reflect regulatory changes in the freshwater space so that ultimately growers can use EMS certification to meet their obligations under the freshwater farm plan regulations. This means that audits will be able to be completed using a standard specifically developed for horticulture, and certified growers complying with the EMS will meet the regulatory requirement of having a certified Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP). It also means that freshwater farm plan audit obligations can be aligned with growers’ NZGAP or GLOBALG.A.P. audits, preventing the need for an additional regulatory audit at a separate time.

Growers whose farms/orchards meet or exceed the thresholds in the regulations will be required to have a freshwater farm plan. The regulations are expected to be released later in 2026, after which time there will be a transition through to when a grower must have an audited/certified FWFP. NZGAP will update growers when further details on timeframes are available.

Growers that already have EMS certification will be well placed to transition to the new version of the EMS when the time comes. We anticipate that this will occur without change to a grower's audit schedule, i.e. a grower can continue to have their EMS audit alongside their NZGAP / GLOBALG.A.P. audit as they do now.

Key changes from EMSv1 to EMSv2 include:

Alignment with freshwater farm planning regulations, allowing EMSv2 certification to meet the requirements of a certified Freshwater Farm Plan (FWFP).
Alignment with the updated HortNZ Environmental codes of practice, including the use of supporting Excel workbooks where relevant.
A simplified, easy to follow format with clear outcomes and expectations.
A new mapping platform to help growers digitally manage and update their farm mapping information.

Core programme documents will be sent to EMS registered growers once the EMSv2 is finalised and will be available from this web page.

EMS v2 Info sheet

If you are interested in providing feedback on the draft version of EMSv2 or are keen to know more, please contact Kate: kate.mcdermott@nzgap.co.nz.

MPI Food Act Business Levy Invoicing 2026

The annual MPI Food Act Business Levy introduced in 2025, will be invoiced again this year from late July, early August.

The 2026 levy is set at $86.25 + GST per business
Invoices will be sent directly by MPI/NZFS/Local council (dependent on who you are registered with)
From 1 July 2027 the levy will increase further to $115 + GST.

This levy is not linked to NZGAP certification. In many cases, GAP programmes facilitate growers, wholesalers/brokers, packhouses and transporters to become registered under the Food Act. However, this Food Act levy is not managed, collected, or spent by NZGAP or HortNZ.

If you have questions, please refer to the MPI Food Business Levy FAQs  or contact  FoodActLevies@mpi.govt.nz

Now available: Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety (version 5, 2025)

The Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) has released the Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety version 5, 2025 – a refreshed, science-based framework to help the fresh produce industry manage food safety risks from production through to post-harvest handling.
Developed through extensive scientific review and industry consultation, the Fundamental Guidelines reflect the latest evidence, good practices and regulatory alignment to support the ongoing safety and integrity of fresh produce across Australia and New Zealand.
The 2025 edition includes new chapters on Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls and Food Safety Culture, enhanced guidance on water quality and microbial testing, new appendices and improved usability.
Accompanying the Fundamental Guidelines are the NEW Quick Guides for Fresh Produce Food Safety – practical, easy-to-use summaries designed to support growers and team members in applying key principles day to day.

🔗 Download the updated Fundamental Guidelines and Quick Guides at www.fpsc-anz.com

FREE WEBINAR

Join FPSC’s webinar on Wednesday 12 November 2025, 12:00pm AEDT to learn what’s new in Version 5, including new chapters on Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls and Food Safety Culture, updated guidance on water quality and microbial testing, and the introduction of the new Quick Guides for Fresh Produce Food Safety.
Register here

NZGAP Grower certification body (auditor) selection underway (15 October 2025)

Following the recent announcement of AsureQuality and QCONZ being the selected certification bodies (auditors) for NZGAP we are now moving to the next stage. NZGAP are contacting all certified growers asking them to select or confirm their preferred certification body.
Most growers will have received emails from us. Growers with more complex certification will be contacted by phone to talk through their options. We will be working through these phone calls as quickly as possible.
For growers in and around Pukekohe, PVGA will be hosting a meeting on 23 October at 6.30pm at the PIA Events Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe. Kate Scott, HortNZ chief executive will be attending and will provide an update on the change in audit body process and an overview of the current EMS review. Following this grower only session, there will be an opportunity to meet and chat with AsureQuality and QCONZ.

If you have any questions about selecting your new auditor, please email info@nzgap.co.nz or call 04 470 5867.

Link to Frequently Asked Questions

NZGAP Selects New Audit and Certification Providers (21 August 2025)

NZGAP has recently reviewed and selected AsureQuality and QCONZ as assurance partners, this follows the first review of audit and certification providers in over 15 years. The decision followed a rigorous tender process to ensure the programme’s certification continues to meet the highest standards for food safety, environmental sustainability and social practice.

AsureQuality who are an existing audit provider are entering into a new contract to provide NZGAP and add-on audits.
QCONZ will become a new approved auditor, auditing NZGAP and add-on modules. Find out more about QCONZ here.
SGS will no longer be contracted for NZGAP from 1 January 2026

Please read more in our media release and in our questions and answers here .

Annual Meeting (14 August 2025)

NZGAP chairperson and manager provide an update on strategy, committee, finances, programmes, add-ons and projects.

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Annual Activity Report (8 August 2025)

The reports provide and overview of how NZGAP is delivering on its purpose of 'Providing simplified, cost-effective, and integrated assurance in New Zealand horticulture that is trusted and valued'

Read More

Important Update : Food Act Business Levy (1 July 2025)

From 1st July 2025, all Food Act-registered businesses—including those registered via GAP programmes—will be required to pay a levy.

For details on how the levy applies and who to contact, if you have questions read the full MPI Food Act Levy Update

NZGAP Releases Request for Proposals for Auditing and Certification Services (18 Feb 2025)

NZGAP is committed to delivering trusted, efficient, and cost-effective certification services to growers and the horticulture supply chain. For 25 years, NZGAP has worked with two trusted organisations to provide auditing services. As part of a comprehensive review and refresh of the NZGAP Programmes, the partnerships and service expectations are also being evaluated.
In line with this, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Auditing and Certification Services has recently been released. This marks an important step in ensuring NZGAP can continue to meet evolving needs, while maintaining the highest standards of service, and ensuring the best value for certificate holders.
We want to assure all those currently certified to NZGAP that throughout this process, you will be kept informed and will be notified if there are any updates or changes in the coming months.

Qualified organisations who wish to participate in this RFP process can register by using the follow link.

NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent Update (18 Dec 2024)

NZGAP-Global v7 has now achieved GLOBALG.A.P. recognition. The new programme documents will be sent to growers shortly to enable preparation for audits to commence from April 2025.
All audits from 1st April 2025 will be against the NZGAP-Global v7 Standard. Audits up until, and including, the 31st of March will be against NZGAP-GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent v6.2. Certificates remain valid through to the expiry date listed on the certificate.
A webinar for growers will be held early in 2025. This will be an opportunity to introduce the new version and for growers to ask any questions they may have.

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NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent Update (4 Dec 2024)

The current NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent version 6 will be replaced with a new version called NZGAP-Global version 7.
Due to a delay in the GLOBALG.A.P. recognition process the new version is not yet available, however we expect that it will be before the end of the year.
Because of this delay, the current version (NZGAP-GLOBALG.A.P.G Equivalent v6.2) can be used up until the 1st of March 2025. Once NZGAP-Global version 7 is available, and up until the 1st March 2025, growers may choose which version of the standard they wish to be certified against.

Food Act Recognition Extension (4 Nov 2024)

New Zealand Food Safety have extended recognition of NZGAP and NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent by one year until September 2025 and October 2025 respectively.
This extension will enable the new versions of NZGAP standards to go through the full recognition process with New Zealand Food Safety in 2025.

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NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent Update (8 Oct 2024)

The current NZGAP GLOBALG.A.P. Equivalent version 6 will be replaced with a new version called NZGAP-Global version 7
NZGAP-Global version 7 is in the final stages of approval by GLOBALG.A.P and we expect this to be completed within the next 3-6 weeks. All audits from 1 Jan 2025 will be against the new version.

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Temporary restrictions on chlorthal-dimethyl/DCPA weedkiller (13 Sept 2024)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced temporary restrictions on the use of weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl. This weedkiller is registered under the names Dacthal, Deramot, Xtra, and Chlor-Back 75WG.
From Friday 13 September 2024, it is no longer permitted to use this weedkiller for any other purpose or in any way that deviates from these restrictions. Chlorthal-dimethyl is not widely used in our sector so these restrictions should not pose any major risks.

Read More: EPA website
Read More: Vegetable New Zealand Incorporated Website

Launch of new NZGAP public registers (05 Sept 2024)

Last week, NZGAP launched a revamped public register www.nzgap.co.nz/checkregister, along with the refreshed register for the NZGAP Contractor Standard www.nzgap.co.nz/checkcontractor

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Have your Say - Review of NZGAP-local (27 Aug 2024)

As part of the review and refresh of all NZGAP Programmes, the NZGAP Standard has been updated. We are seeking your feedback on the draft update to ensure it is right for you, and will be accepting feedback until 31 October 2024.

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NZGAP Celebrates 25 Years (24 April 2024)

NZGAP marked its 25th anniversary in April, celebrating a quarter century of providing consumers with confidence that New Zealand fruit and vegetables are grown safely and sustainably. The milestone was recognised at an event in Wellington with growers, industry partners, and past and present NZGAP leaders.