FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Can my livestock and poultry be SAGAP certified?

No, at the moment the certification is for fresh produce (fruits, vegetables and plant related).

Do I need to have a packhouse to be SAGAP certified?

No, the certification can be separately done for primary production (farm only), on-farm and off-farm packhouse, as well as the drying facilities and cold storage facilities.

Does the SAGAP certificate expire, if so, how long is the validity period?

Yes, the certificate is valid for 12 months.

How can a smallholder farmer in South Africa prepare for Food Safety certification?

Preparing for food safety certification can be a complex process for smallholder farmers in South Africa, but it is manageable with a structured approach:

  • PPECB has an agreement with all the provinces.
  • The provinces identify the farmers for the certification programme.
  • PPECB in partnership with the provincial departments of agriculture (marketing directorate) conducts workshops.
  • Pre audits (assessment audits) are done on the identified farms followed by the one on one follow up sessions (verification audits), once satisfied with the progress the farmers can then be recommended for final audits (final stage in the SAGAP certification process).
  • If the farm passes the final audit a certificate of compliance is issued.
  • The farm will need to maintain the certificate and renew every 12 months.

How long does the certification process takes?

The certification process can vary in duration depending on several factors, such as initial level of compliance, readiness of the farm's documentation and practices. However, commitment by the farmer can ensure a smoother certification process.

How much does it cost for one to be certified?

This will be done via your Provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). If privately done, we will provide a quote.

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