MPS-Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) is a certification scheme for the ornamental horticulture sector, developed by MPS.
The certification scheme aims to ensure that flowers, plants, and propagation materials are cultivated using responsible agricultural practices, focusing on food safety, traceability, environmental protection, and the health and safety of workers.
The scheme is benchmarked against GLOBALG.A.P. version 6 for ornamental horticulture and version 5.2 for plant propagation material (PPM).
Objectives of MPS-GAP
Improvement of management and production methods
Meeting the requirements of customers and market parties
Safe, sustainable, and responsible production
Supporting traceability and risk management in the supply chain
Scope of Application
Applicable to growers of ornamental horticultural products and/or propagation materials
Certification covers the entire business (not limited to a single crop or location)
Also applicable to businesses without employees
MPS-GAP Requirements
General Requirements
MPS-A (+), -B or -C qualification required
Mandatory annual internal audit
Traceability of products and propagation materials
Complaints procedure and recall plan required
Environment and Sustainability
Water management plan and water quality risk assessments
Fertilisation plan and fertiliser registration
Waste management
Safe storage of substances
Energy management plan and conservation measures
Crop Protection
Only legally permitted products may be used
Usage registration
Emission reduction and safe storage
Health and Safety of Workers
First aid facilities and training
Hygiene protocols and risk assessments
Safe housing if applicable
Protective measures for staff handling substances
Propagation (PPM)
Hygiene procedures and traceability of propagation material
Separation of batches and substrate storage
Maintenance and cleaning of equipment and facilities
Certification and Audits
Annual audit by an accredited certification body
Unannounced inspections at 10% of businesses
Compliance with 100% of mandatory and 95% of minor control points
Important to Note
The scheme includes mandatory control points (majors) and recommended points (minors)
Corrective actions must be implemented within specified deadlines in case of non-conformities