New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP), the program that certifies fruit and vegetable growers in New Zealand, has selected AsureQuality and QCONZ as its assurance partners following the first review of audit and certification providers in over 15 years.
"The decision followed a rigorous tender process to ensure the program's certification continues to meet the highest standards for food safety, environmental sustainability and social practice," says NZGAP committee Chair Bernadine Guilleux.
"We want to improve the service for certified operators, digitize the audit process, and minimize costs for growers.
"QCONZ and AsureQuality demonstrated strong strategic alignment with NZGAP's vision to enable the production and supply of safe and sustainable food resulting in the selection of both organizations to audit all NZGAP programs and add-ons."
AsureQuality is an existing audit provider and will be entering into a new contract for NZGAP. QCONZ are new providers to the horticulture sector, although have experience in other New Zealand primary sector settings. QCONZ are in the process of obtaining the relevant recognitions to start auditing NZGAP programs.
SGS will no longer be contracted for NZGAP from 1 January 2026.
"The transition from SGS will be carefully managed to ensure a smooth process for certified operators. The change in audit partner will not change the recognition of NZGAP certification in domestic or international markets," says Guilleux.
"This change does not have an impact on those with GLOBALG.A.P. certification via SGS."
More detailed information about transition timeframes and next steps will be sent directly to impacted growers and operators.
"I would like to thank SGS for their services which have underpinned the trust in NZGAP certification, and for their support in development and implementation of NZGAP over the past 15 years.
"Our priority is to maintain confidence in NZGAP certification while continuing to deliver a consistent, efficient, and high-integrity audit process.
"We look forward to working closely with QCONZ and AsureQuality to introduce future improvements and efficiencies into the auditing process."
For more information:
Horticulture New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0) 4 472 3795
Email: [email protected]
www.hortnz.co.nz
