Overview
SFA encourages local vegetable farms to adopt the code of Good Agricultural Practice as a food safety assurance system in vegetable production. SFA also encourages these farms to become a member of SFA's Good Agricultural Practice for Vegetable Farming (GAP-VF) Certification Scheme.
They can voluntarily be certified for implementing the GAP-VF in this Scheme. Recognition of the industry players such as retailers and importers in GAP-VF certification is important in promoting food safety assurance at source.
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Enhanced Standard – SS675: Specification for Good Agriculture Practice
To address emerging farming systems and technologies, market demand for high quality farm produces and promote responsible farming, a new standard “SS675: 2021Specification for good agriculture practice” is developed to provide guidance to local agriculture farms on a holistic approach of farm management in the areas of food safety, produce quality, environmental management and workers health, safety and welfare. With this standard which is in-line with regional and international agriculture farming standards, local farms can adopt best practices for quality assurance in agriculture production while protecting the farm environment.
The SS675 caters to all indoor and outdoor agriculture systems in Singapore for vegetables, fruits and herbs farming. It specifies best practices from pre-production starting from nursery to cultivation, harvesting and postharvest handling prior to delivery of agriculture products.
This new standard, which has just been published in Aug 2021, will supersede the GAP-VF standard as the new Certification Scheme for Good Agriculture Practice. SFA will be announcing the details of the Certification Scheme for Good Agriculture Practice in the coming months.
The SS675 document can be purchased from the Singapore Standard eShop from this link: https://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/
If you are would like to know more about the SS675 certification, please contact Mr Kevin Fong at email: kevin_fong@sfa.gov.sg.
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Certification Mark
Certified vegetable farms are awarded with a Certification Mark. The Certification Mark is a safety stamp, which can be used to distinguish their produce from others in the market. Having the Certification Mark also enhances their profile and market access.
For retailers and importers, the GAP-VF Certification scheme aids in the sourcing of vegetable supply from quality farms. Product traceability, a feature of the certification system, ensures consumers food safety assurance from reliable sources.
Certification process
The certification process evaluates the farm's processes/activities and management practices based on the stringent requirements of GAP-VF.
3-Step Assessment for the Certification Process
Step 1: Pre-audit assessment
This is a paper assessment by SFA officers on:
- farm plan
- production flow chart
- written instructions or standard operating procedures of:
- soil / nutrient (for hydroponics, compost) analysis for heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury)
- pesticide operator certificate
- internal audit check record
For renewal
Submit the relevant documents that update SFA of recent changes of your GAP-VF system within the period of which the certificate was awarded
Step 2: Farm audit assessment
This includes a site investigation for examination of records to ensure these items are in accordance to the GAP-VF standard:
- production inputs, e.g. seeds, fertiliser, pesticides purchase and application
- produce traceability (harvest/delivery/sales)
- farming and post-harvesting procedures and practices
- farm management
SFA officers will also carry out interviews with farm personnel and sampling of farm produce.
Step 3: Evaluation
This includes an overall evaluation by the SFA Certification Approval Committee.
How to Apply
Before Application
Step 1: Understand requirements of GAP-VF Certification
3-Step Assessment for the Certification Process
Step 1: Pre-audit assessment
Refer to code of practice in the Handbook on GAP-VF Certification (Version 2, 30 Nov 2005).
Step 2: Implement the Code of Good Agricultural Practice
In accordance to the Handbook on GAP-VF Certification (Version 2, 30 Nov 2005) or the latest GAP-VF standard.
Step 3: Conduct own internal audit check for compliance to the GAP-VF standard requirements
To conduct self-assessment of the farm's readiness for certification prior to the application or renewal of the GAP-VF Certification.
Materials needed:
- completed Application Form for GAP-VF Certification
- authorisation letter from farm licensee (if applicant is not the farm licensee) together with the following documents (items a - d for new applicant only)
- NRIC of applicant and GAP-VF Co-ordinator
- Farm Licence
- Pesticide Operator Certificate
- RCB Profile (applicable to Company)
- Documents for Pre-audit Assessment
Submit these items to:
GAP-VF Secretariat
Singapore Food Agency
Standards Development & Promotion Department
Industry Development & Partnership Division
52 Jurong Gateway Road, JEM Office Tower
#14-01 Singapore 608550
(Email : kevin_fong@sfa.gov.sg)
After Application
The submission of application indicates your agreement with the certification process. We will make arrangements to conduct the farm audit assessment within a month after the application form is received.
Time period to complete certification process
The certification process should be completed:
- within 6 months from the point of receipt of new application
- before the expiry date of the certificate (within 3 months for renewal)
- complete the certification process within the specific time frame
- attain the certificate award (informed by post on the outcome of the certification process)
- In such cases, you have to re-apply for certification with full payment. For unsuccessful cases within the grace period, you can appeal for a re-audit which includes a site visit. The site visit is charged on an hourly basis.
Fees Payable
| Type of Application |
Fees |
| New Application |
S$500 certification fee (non-refundable) |
| Renewal |
S$250 certification fee (non-refundable) |
| Reaudit |
Hourly charge rate of S$101 (inclusive of GST) based on duration of farm visit. |
The fees are subject to change from time to time.
Payments can be made via GIRO and payment will be debited from your designated bank account on the deduction date stated.
If you are not paying by GIRO, payment can be made via the following modes:
- AXS payment at any AXS station located islandwide. Scan the barcode at the bottom of the invoice when making AXS payment.
- Electronic payment. Select option (d) and quote your invoice number.
We will notify you the outcome of the application or renewal once the GAP-VF certification process has been completed.