GRASP Add-on Certification refers to the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice (GRASP), a supplementary social assessment tool applied to farms and agri-food businesses. GRASP is not a standalone certification; it operates exclusively in combination with an active GLOBALG.A.P. certification, serving as an additional evaluation of social compliance. 

Its objective is to assess whether an agricultural business implements fundamental requirements related to workers, working conditions, and responsible social practices. For producers, producer groups, and organized export operations, GRASP provides a practical way to demonstrate and document social responsibility at the farm level. 

What is the GRASP Add-on and how does it assess social practices? 

The GRASP Add-on is designed to evaluate, in practice, the social labor conditions within an agricultural operation, with emphasis on areas such as: 

  • social responsibility 
  • proper personnel management 
  • worker representation 
  • the ability of employees to raise complaints or concerns through structured mechanisms 

As part of the assessment, auditors verify whether there is a workers’ representative or an equivalent representation mechanism, as well as whether a clear and accessible grievance procedure is in place. 

The value of GRASP lies in its practical approach: it does not assess theoretical commitments, but rather whether the business effectively applies basic social compliance principles in its day-to-day operations. For many buyers and partners, this assessment serves as evidence of social responsibility and structured management. 

Key requirements for agricultural workers 

During the audit, essential elements related to farm personnel are examined, whether permanent or seasonal workers. The assessment verifies: 

  • the existence of legal employment contracts or equivalent proof of employment relationships 
  • proper documentation of wages, working hours, and attendance 
  • evidence that workers are informed about their basic labor rights 

In practice, the following may be requested: 

  • attendance records 
  • payment records 
  • working time logs 
  • documentation confirming employee awareness of their rights 

Additionally, the evaluation includes checks on: 

  • non-discrimination 
  • protection of minors 
  • avoidance of practices that violate basic social responsibility principles 

This is particularly important in operations employing seasonal or migrant workers, where documentation must be clear and readily available. 

Certification process at farm level 

The process begins with the certification application and verification that the farm holds a valid GLOBALG.A.P. certification, as GRASP is only applied as an add-on. 

This is followed by preparation based on the official GRASP checklist of the applicable standard version. 

The certification body, such as QMSCERT, proceeds with: 

  • document review 
  • verification of key personnel-related information 
  • on-site audit at the farm or producer group 

During the assessment, findings, observations, and any non-conformities are documented. The GRASP evaluation is typically aligned with the main GLOBALG.A.P. audit cycle, ensuring smooth integration into the overall certification process. 

Benefits for producers and export credibility 

GRASP Add-on Certification provides significant commercial value, especially for producers and businesses involved in agricultural exports. 

In many markets, such as Germany, buyers increasingly require documented social compliance before initiating or continuing cooperation. For producers of olive oil, fresh produce, fruits, and organized export schemes, GRASP serves as an additional element of commercial credibility. 

At the same time, it helps reduce the risk of non-conformities during customer audits or commercial inspections, as the business has already structured and documented its core social labor practices. 

Preparation for a GRASP audit and required documentation 

Before the audit, it is essential that all key personnel records are available. Indicatively, the company should prepare:

  • attendance records 
  • employment contracts 
  • payroll data 
  • grievance procedures 
  • evidence of staff training, where applicable 

All documents must be available on the day of the audit, and sample-based verification of employee records may be performed. Proper and timely preparation significantly facilitates the assessment process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Not always. GRASP is not mandatory in every case, but it is applied only as a supplementary assessment on top of an active GLOBALG.A.P. certification, when requested by the market or the buyer.

The audit reviews aspects such as employment relationships, contracts, working hours, payroll, grievance mechanisms, worker representation, and the protection of minors. 

The required preparation time depends on the size of the operation, the number of employees, and the level of organization of records and procedures.

Typically, personnel files, attendance records, employment contracts, payroll data, grievance procedures, and relevant supporting documents demonstrating the implementation of social practices are required.


Contact Q-CERT

If you are interested in GRASP certification in combination with GLOBALG.A.P., contact Q-CERT.

Audit Information & ExpectationsApplication Form
F-2711F-2712.OP1, F-2713.OP2