Food Farming

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

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.

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.

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
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
Horticulture Technology Department,
Lorong Chencharu, Sembawang Research Station Lorong Chencharu,
Singapore 769194

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.