Can NZGAP provide a pathway to comply with the Food Act?
Yes. Your NZGAP certification can provide a pathway to meet your obligations under the Food Act. If you grow, pack, transport or wholesale horticulture produce
Please note: Minimal processing such as rinsing and trimming can be covered by the NZGAP certification but if you carry out processes such as slicing, dicing or juicing then NZGAP certification will not cover these aspects of your business for the Food Act. You will need to It apply Food Act verification via your Territorial Authority or directly with MPI.
Why register via NZGAP?
NZGAP certification enables growers to achieve both market access and regulatory compliance in one assurance system. By combining your Food Act registration with your NZGAP audit you will save on fees and avoid duplication of audits.
What does NZGAP certification cover?
NZGAP is aligned with National Programme Level 1 of the Food Act for horticulture includes growing, packing, transport, storage and wholesale of
- Minimally processed fruit and vegetables
- Herbs and Spices
- Nuts & Seeds Shelf Stable Food
- Microgreens
What NZGAP certification does NOT cover?
If you have other operations like slicing, dicing or juicing, NZGAP certification will not meet all your Food Act requirements as some of your operation is NP2/NP3 or you require a Custom Food Control Plan.
You will need to contact your local council or alternative auditing bodies.
NZGAP does not certify sprouts
What if I already have NZGAP or GLOBALG.A.P. certification?
Great - you're covered once you give NZGAP permission to register your business. Your next audit will double as a Food Act verification.
What if I have uncertified crops?
If you sell any uncertified crops commercially, you will need to add these crops to your NZGAP certification or get a separate NP1 registration and verification with your territorial authority.
How long does it take to get NZGAP certified and meet Food Act obligations?
It can take up to 3 months to get NZGAP certified because of registration, developing and implementing systems as well as getting audited, therefore it is important to plan ahead. It is also important that you start developing your Food Safety systems as soon as possible.
How much does it cost?
The following costs are additional to your NZGAP certification fees when you include the Food Act with your NZGAP certification and will be included with your annual NZGAP fees.
See NZGAP Fee Chart
Is my business exempt from the Food Act?
If you are producing seeds (non-edible), grow a product that is not for human consumption or are a contractor, then you will not be required to maintain a Food Act registration.
What if I am GLOBALG.A.P. certified?
You may be registered via another industry body, but if not you can register for the Food Act via NZGAP by signing up to register for Mutual Recognition .You may also register directly with MPI if you wish to use the GLOBALG.A.P. checklist/audit as your Food Act audit (you cannot register via Council in this case). If you do wish to register via the Council, this will be a separate National Programme Level verification (additional to GLOBALG.A.P. audit) via the Council.