The role of GLOBAL G.A.P.: In improving competitiveness of agro-food industry

Abstract

The issues of food safety, standards and food quality represent a challenge for every food company which has to cope with in order to survive. The change in consumers attitudes has considerably been influenced by certain incidents related to food safety which clearly showed that more attention should be paid to food safety. Different actors should work together on this issue, from food producers (primary and fnal), consumer associations, international organizations, big retailers to the state. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current situation in implementation of certifcation schemes for agro-food industry in which GLOBAL G.A.P. has been recognized as a perspective one. A special attention is paid to two directions: (1) Comparison of implementing GLOBAL G.A.P. standard and other Certifcation schemes and (2) Overview and opportunities for Serbia and neighboring countries, in relation to its EU food law and food safety certification schemes harmonization efforts.