Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is an official certification that documents production processes that are environmentally sensitive, respectful of human health and in line with a sustainable agriculture approach. This certificate shows that producers apply methods that protect nature, control the use of chemicals and are based on traceability during production. The certificate is issued by authorised certification bodies under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
By recording that production activities are carried out in accordance with specific standards, it aims to ensure the safety of both producers and consumers. This document is not just a label but also a commitment. With this certificate, the producer undertakes to fulfil their responsibilities towards nature and society. Thanks to this document, the consumer knows under which conditions the product was produced and has peace of mind when accessing safe food.
Good Agricultural Practices aim to produce without harming nature, using resources efficiently and protecting public health. In this context, the producer is expected to use plant protection products carefully and at the correct dose, adopt production systems that protect soil structure, irrigate without wasting water resources and keep records of all inputs used. These practices protect not only the environment but also the producer.
Reducing direct contact with chemicals, making the use of personal protective equipment mandatory, preventing occupational accidents and carrying out regular health checks are also part of this process. At the same time, ensuring traceability at every step from field to table is one of the cornerstones of the system. Details such as which fertiliser was used when and which method was applied against which pest are recorded. This level of transparency provides assurance for both producers and consumers.
Good Agricultural Practices concern not only the producer but the health of society as a whole. Producers who hold this certificate have the opportunity to sell their products at better prices, while consumers can choose these products with confidence. The certificate is also an important criterion for benefiting from government support and incentive programmes. Certified producers may benefit from certain support schemes with priority.
Retail chains and food companies in the domestic market pay particular attention to such certificates when selecting their suppliers. In this way, the producer has the opportunity to expand their market share. From an environmental perspective, Good Agricultural Practices contribute to the protection of nature. Reducing chemical residues, preventing soil erosion, using water resources responsibly and protecting biodiversity are among the long-term goals of the system.
When all these elements are considered together, it is clear that the Good Agricultural Practices certificate provides not only individual but also social benefits.
A producer who wishes to obtain a Good Agricultural Practices certificate must first contact CTR. At this stage, detailed information about the process is provided to the producer. The application is then submitted and the required documents are provided. The most important of these documents is the Farmer Registration System (FRS) record. Once the application is completed, an on-site inspection is carried out. The inspector examines the production area on site and evaluates whether the practices comply with the standard.
Every detail from the production process to storage conditions is taken into account. If compliance is confirmed as a result of the inspection, the certificate is issued. If not, the producer is given time to remedy any non-conformities. The certificate is valid for one production period. At the end of this period, a renewal audit is performed. During renewal, the producer submits all records from the previous period and is again subject to on-site inspection. In this way, the continuity of the system is ensured.
The Good Agricultural Practices certificate covers a wide range of agricultural products. Fresh fruit and vegetables are among the leading product groups. Not only plant-based production but also livestock and aquaculture enterprises can obtain this certificate if they meet the relevant criteria. In these cases, issues such as animal welfare, hygiene conditions and feed content are examined in detail.
The Good Agricultural Practices certificate is valid for one production season, which is generally considered as one year. During the validity period of the certificate, interim audits may be carried out to check whether the producer continues to produce in accordance with the standards. When the certificate period expires, the renewal process begins. At this stage, the producer submits the production records for that year. A new audit is then conducted by the certification body. As long as compliance continues, the certificate is renewed.
However, if serious non-conformities are identified, the certificate may be withdrawn. For this reason, the producer must not only meet the requirements at the application stage but also record all production activities and act in line with the criteria throughout the year. The system is based on continuity and reliability. For producers, the responsibility is not only to obtain the certificate but also to maintain it. The Good Agricultural Practices certificate promotes an environmentally conscious, health-focused and transparent production model and benefits both producers and consumers.
CTR plays an impartial, reliable and guiding role in this process. For any agricultural enterprise that prioritises quality and sustainability in agriculture, this certificate stands out as a strong reference and a significant distinction.
The Good Agricultural Practices certificate is issued by independent certification bodies such as CTR, authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. These organisations audit the activities carried out in production areas for compliance with Good Agricultural Practices standards and have the authority to issue certificates. The certification process covers controls in areas such as production methods, record-keeping systems, environmental management and worker health.
If the producer meets all the criteria as a result of the audits, a Good Agricultural Practices certificate is issued. The organisations authorised to issue this certificate are periodically audited by the Ministry and must continuously meet accreditation requirements. CTR, as an authorised certification body, provides inspection and certification services to producers seeking compliance with Good Agricultural Practices standards and carries out a neutral, reliable and regulation-compliant evaluation process for enterprises of all sizes. Producers wishing to obtain a Good Agricultural Practices certificate can contact CTR to receive detailed information about the application process.
The cost of a Good Agricultural Practices certificate varies according to the scope of production, size of the area, product variety and duration of the audit. There is no fixed price; each enterprise is assessed individually. The fee may cover not only inspection and application costs but also any investments needed to fully comply with the standards. Steps such as establishing record-keeping systems, employee training or strengthening hygiene infrastructure may also form part of the overall cost.
For clear pricing and an appropriate application plan tailored to the specific characteristics of your enterprise, you can contact CTR.
