Thailand is one of the major exporters of agri-food products in the world. The country’s export of such products was approximately USD 15 billion, which represented one-seventh of total export of Thailand. With the intensification of agricultural practices, the issues regarding environmental degradation, food safety and agricultural workers’ welfare and safety have been of increasing concern to Thailand and its trading partners. EurepGAP, initiated in 1997 by the Euro Retailer Produce Working Group (EUREP), which includes leading supermarkets in Europe in partnership with producers and other stakeholders, was created in response to these global concerns. The mission was to develop widely accepted standards and procedures for the global certification of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure that agriculture is undertaken in a responsible way that respects food safety, environment, workers welfare and animals welfare. Nowadays, the exporters of agri-food products to EU are being asked to show evidence of compliance to EurepGAP standards as proof of adherence to Good Agricultural Practices and Food Safety. Therefore, the familiarization with as well as understanding of the protocols and implementation methodology is important for Thailand’s agri-food producers and related stakeholders throughout the supply chain, not only to protect the people and planet, but also to enhance the market access, especially to EU nations.

Objectives of Workshop
To appraise the agricultural and horticultural industries of the needs and requirements for sustainable agriculture and food safety for global market access.
To create awareness and familiarize participants on the elements of EurepGAP, a retailer-led initiative and certification program, which address issues on food safety, environmental protection and workers welfare.

International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) web site