NZGAP selects new audit and certification providers

New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP), the programme 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 programme’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, digitise the audit process, and minimise 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 organisations to audit all NZGAP programmes 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 programmes.

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.”

About NZGAP

The NZGAP programme provides certification for growers of fresh fruit and vegetables and the associated supply chain, including postharvest handlers, wholesalers, brokers, transporters, and contractors. Certification covers food safety, environmental sustainability and social practice.

Established in 1999, NZGAP is owned by Horticulture New Zealand and recognised under the Food Act. NZGAP has a GLOBALG.A.P. recognised programme and has developed additional modules for environmental sustainability and social practice, with further development and digital innovations in the pipeline.