Good agricultural practice

Introduction of GAP is particularly desirable when there is chronic overuse and misuse of agricultural pesticides. Governments seek to reduce the use of pesticides by promoting alternative methods of pest management, while at the same time ensuring a steady production of safe and wholesome food. == Organizations ==

Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations GAP The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) uses good agricultural practice as a collection of principles applying to on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products, while taking into account economical, social and environmental sustainability. GAPs require maintaining a common database on integrated production techniques for each of the major agro-ecological area (see ecoregion). They collect, analyze and disseminate information of good practices in relevant geographical contexts. United States Department of Agriculture GAP/GHP Program The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service operates an audit/certification program to verify that farms use good agricultural practice or good handling practice. It is a voluntary program typically used by growers and packers to satisfy contractual requirements with retail and food service buyers. The program was implemented in 2002 after the New Jersey Department of Agriculture petitioned USDA-AMS to implement an audit-based program to verify conformance to the 1998 Food & Drug Administration publication entitled, "Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables." The program has been updated several times since 2002, and includes additional certification programs such as commodity specific audit programs for mushrooms, tomatoes, leafy greens, and cantaloupes. In 2009, USDA-AMS participated in the GAPs Harmonization Initiative which "harmonized" 14 of the major North American GAP audit standards, which in 2011 resulted in the release and implementation of the Produce GAPs Harmonized Food Safety Standard. Korean National Agricultural Products Quality Management Institute GAP Program Following the principles established by the United Nations and several of its members, Korea has established a GAP program that has been in effect since 2006. == Recommendations ==

Soil • Reducing erosion by wind and water through hedging and ditching. • Application of fertilizers at appropriate moments and in adequate doses (i.e., when the plant needs the fertilizer), to avoid run-off • The use of sewage sludge is currently not allowed on GAP-certified farms of horticultural crops (though it is unclear whether this includes compost derived from sewage sludge and other human excreta derived fertilizers). • Maintaining or restoring soil organic content, by manure application, use of grazing, crop rotation • Reduce soil compaction issues (by avoiding using heavy mechanical devices) • Maintain soil structure, by limiting heavy tillage practices • In situ green manuring by growing pulse crops like cowpea, horse gram, sunn hemp etc. Water • Practice scheduled irrigation, with monitoring of plant needs, and soil water reserve status to avoid water loss by drainage • Prevent soil salinization by limiting water input to needs, and recycling water whenever possible • Avoid crops with high water requirements in a low availability region • Avoid drainage and fertilizer run-off • Maintain permanent soil covering, in particular in winter to avoid nitrogen run-off • Manage carefully water table, by limiting heavy output of water • Restore or maintain wetlands (see marshlands) • Provide good water points for livestock Smallholder productivity Crop demand is expected to double as the world's population reaches 9.1 billion by 2050. Increasing the quantity and quality of food in response to growing demand will require increased agricultural production. Good agricultural practices, often combined with effective input use, are among the best ways to increase smallholder productivity. Many agribusinesses are building sustainable supply chains to increase production and improve quality. ==See also==