GLOBALG.A.P. North America has announced its GLOBALG.A.P. IFA (Integrated Farm Assurance) Standard is a recognized third-party certification for Walmart U.S. pollinator health commitments.

Walmart U.S. reported on its website that it will source 100% of the fresh produce it sells from suppliers that adopt integrated pest management practices, as verified by a third-party, by 2025. 

To meet the chain’s biodiversity requirements, Walmart and the IPM Institute of North America have been working with GLOBALG.A.P. to ensure the suitability of the globally applicable Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard, according to a news release.

GLOBALG.A.P achieved acceptance of the IFA standard into Walmart’s biodiversity benchmark in 2021 the report said. With the recent release of GLOBALG.A.P. IFA v6 for Fruit and Vegetables and for Flowers and Ornamentals, the updated IFA is also recognized by Walmart, according to the release.

Early adopters, including farms with GLOBALG.A.P. IFA certification, will already be in compliance with Walmart U.S.’s new requirement to have IPM practices verified by a third party by 2025, according to the release.

Fruit and vegetable farmers supplying Walmart U.S. and choosing GLOBALG.A.P. IFA with GFSI recognition meet Walmart’s food safety and biodiversity requirements with a single audit and certificate, the release said.

By THE PACKER STAFF 

Source: www.thepacker.com