The GlobalG.A.P.

Introduction This chapter considers the sustainability implications for the South of one of the most prominent private standards in food governance, the Global Partnership for Good Agricultural Practice (GlobalG.A.P.). Employing a governance approach, the chapter focuses on the pivotal role of GlobalG.A.P. in shaping rural livelihoods and sustainability objectives for the agriculture and food sector in developing countries. In pursuit of its objectives, this chapter presents the evolving governance structures, aims and rhetoric of GlobalG.A.P., and evaluates its effectiveness and (perceived) legitimacy. The analysis aims to unravel the dynamics and conditions under which GlobalG.A.P. can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable development of the food sector in the South. Food security, food safety and environmental sustainability are essential preconditions for the well-being of societies worldwide. The fulfilment of these conditions is particularly challenging for the global South, whose constant struggle with poverty, hunger and environmental degradation has been aggravated by contemporary events, such as the food crisis and the global economic downturn. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that the number of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition rose to more than one billion in 2009, with women and children most seriously affected (FAO 2009). Global environmental challenges, in particular climate change, as well as pollution and water shortages, are expected to multiply threats to the provision of adequate amounts of nutritious and safe food (High Representative and European Commission to the European Council 2008). At the same time, hazardous environmental practices in agriculture also have negative health repercussions. Pesticide poisoning by farmers and rural workers, for instance, is a frequent phenomenon in developing countries, while legal provisions for workers’ health and safety are almost non-existent. In general, labour standards in agriculture tend to be extremely low. Private food governance promises to address these concerns on the basis of voluntary standards, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and codes of conduct. GlobalG.A.P. is a pivotal private standard that targets issues of food safety, as well as environmental and labour concerns. Against this background, the chapter inquires into the potential of GlobalG.A.P. for fostering sustainability objectives in the South. Given its increasing prominence, GlobalG.A.P. can be a leading force in reversing certain trends with respect to sustainability and/or exacerbating others. The chapter also evaluates the legitimacy of GlobalG.A.P., both toward its stakeholders and the broader polity, in order to identify opportunities and constraints for a more participatory, transparent and accountable development of the food sector in the South. The chapter proceeds as follows. First, we provide a brief background on the origin of the GlobalG.A.P., lay out its instruments and governance structure, and explore changes that have occurred within the organization over time. Second, we evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative, both on its own terms and with respect to broader sustainability objectives and recognized international development standards. Third, we discuss existing criticism of the initiative and try to identify sources of potential shortcomings. We conclude by considering strategies for the improvement of the GlobalG.A.P. from the perspective of developing countries.