The recent visit of a GLOBALG.A.P. delegation to the International Congress of Red Fruits Huelva, Spain, from 19-20 June 2024 marked a significant date in the agricultural certification landscape and served as a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders, including producers, exporters, suppliers, and service companies, to converge and exchange insights on the evolving Spanish red fruits sector.
As part of the congress, Dr Nolan Quiros, Senior Technical expert at GLOBALG.A.P., delivered a compelling presentation titled "Harvesting 'new' successes: GLOBALG.A.P. and its competitive advantages for Huelva berries." During the presentation Quiros emphasized the importance of voluntary standards such as the GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard and the GRASP add-on in mitigating risks related to human rights and food safety non-conformities.
Highlighting the regional red fruits landscape in Spain, Quiros underscored the shifting focus towards compliance with human and worker's rights, showcasing Huelva as a hub of competitiveness with a strong commitment to social and work aspects. The GRASP add-on was lauded for its role in supporting producers in adhering to local regulations and ILO core conventions, ensuring fair treatment and equal remuneration for all workers.
In his closing remarks, Quiros commended Huelva for its resilience in addressing current challenges, attributing much of the success to the support of organizations like Freshuelva. He emphasized that certifications and assessments like GLOBALG.A.P. IFA and GRASP serve as more than mere verification documents; they are integral information systems for supply chains, driving transparency and accountability and fostering responsible agriculture practices.
The GLOBALG.A.P. delegation's participation at the International Congress of Red Fruits exemplifies a shared commitment to responsible agriculture practices and ethical standards within the industry. As the sector continues to evolve, collaborations and initiatives like these pave the way for a more responsible and resilient agricultural future.
For more information:
Leonie Fischer
GLOBALG.A.P.
[email protected]