Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP)

Certification of agricultural crops under Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) based on the guidelines developed by World Health Organization (WHO) is a system that ensures the cultivation, harvesting, and handling of crops meet standards to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability. GACP certification is particularly important for medicinal and aromatic plants, herbs, and other crops used for food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, where the quality and safety of the final product are crucial.

Overview of the key aspects of GACP certification:

1. Compliance with Standards: GACP certification requires adherence to specific standards set by industry organizations. These standards cover various aspects of agricultural practices, including cultivation methods, harvesting techniques, storage conditions, and transportation procedures.
2. Quality Assurance: GACP certification aims to ensure the consistent quality of agricultural products. This involves implementing practices that minimize contamination, maintain the identity and purity of the crop, and optimize the concentration of bioactive compounds, where applicable.
3. Safety Considerations: GACP standards include measures to mitigate risks associated with pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, and other hazards. This involves the responsible use of agrochemicals, proper sanitation practices, and appropriate handling procedures throughout the production chain.
4. Sustainability: GACP certification often promotes environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. This may include measures to conserve soil and water resources, minimize agricultural inputs, promote biodiversity, and protect ecosystems.
5. Documentation and Traceability: GACP certification typically requires thorough documentation of all stages of production, from cultivation to final sale. This documentation facilitates traceability, allowing products to be traced back to their origin and ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
6. Continuous Improvement: GACP certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Certified producers are expected to monitor and evaluate their practices regularly, implement corrective actions as needed, and stay updated on evolving standards and best practices.

OneCert provides third party assurance to consumers and industry stakeholders based on GACP guideline developed by WHO that agricultural products are produced responsibly, meeting quality, safety, and sustainability requirements by way of verification as per GACP standards. Our assurance service would create market opportunities for GACP assured products and enhancing their marketability and competitiveness.