Remote auditing and green claims discussed at GLOBALG.A.P. Summit 2024

Held in Warsaw last September 10th to 12^th, the summit was “a meeting of the minds” discussing complex global challenges. While factors such as extreme weather events, economic shifts, inflation, and geopolitical tensions undeniably impact global supply chains, they also present a unique opportunity to innovate and reimagine its future. With nearly 300 participants from 44 countries, the summit emphasized the potential for the agriculture and aquaculture sectors to rise to these challenges, not just to overcome them but to transform the industry for the better. By focusing on more sustainable solutions leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the participants envisioned a future where food systems are more resilient, transparent, and equitable.   

The challenge to harmonize 350+ farm certification labels

One of the most pressing discussions centred around the need to harmonize the fragmented world of audits and certifications. With nearly 350 different certifications and labels in existence today, and some producers facing multiple audits each year, the system has become difficult for many stakeholders.  To streamline certification systems, collaboration is essential. Discussions at the summit highlighted the potential for digitalizing audits, increasing recognition across different certification bodies, and adopting combined auditing processes. The use of AI and other advanced technologies to analyse large volumes of data was seen as a key step in moving toward a more risk-based approach.  

The future of auditing: remote sensing versus on-site inspections?

Technology and data innovation were front and centre during discussions on the future of auditing. According to audience polls during the event, 71% of participants believe that AI can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of farm audits in the next five years, while 57% think remote sensing will have the greatest impact on agricultural auditing. Despite this optimism, 81% still felt that on-site inspections would remain a necessary part of the process. 

The summit also highlighted concerns over potential biases in AI algorithms and issues related to data privacy and security. However, the overwhelming consensus was that new technologies will be critical in enabling validation at scale, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement.  

Sustainability and the future of green claims: need to specify criteria. 

Sustainability is not just an environmental issue: Increasingly, the focus is expanding to include human rights and social issues. Participants agreed on a clear need for industry-wide definitions and a common framework to support progress towards global sustainability goals. Furthermore, it was acknowledged that while sustainability efforts should not become a competition between producers or retailers over who is "more sustainable”, there is still much work to be done in communicating the broader business benefits of such certification. As regulations around green claims become more stringent, attendees also noted that producers need more guidance in how to ensure they make valid claims on such topics, for example specific criteria that demonstrate sustainable practices.  

Smallholders: A critical part of the solution 

GLOBALG.A.P. Summit 2024 also placed significant emphasis on the perspective of smallholder farmers. With approximately 1.2 billion people employed in agriculture globally—500 million of whom are smallholders—this group is vital for the world’s food supply. Yet, many face poverty and lack access to training, finance, and compliance resources. Discussions highlighted that only by engaging with smallholders can the industry work toward a unified approach and ensuring the sustainability of global food production. However, to effectively support smallholders, it is essential to tailor solutions to their individual contexts. Recognizing the diverse capabilities and conditions across regions, participants highlighted the value of providing accessible support that meets specific needs. The discussions surrounding smallholders served as an important reminder that future policies and initiatives should thoughtfully address the challenges they encounter.