Food Farming

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.

Certification Mark

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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.

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).

A Chinese Version of the Handbook is also available.

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

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.