The Nurture Module Add-on certification concerns a specialized supplementary scheme of GLOBALG.A.P., designed exclusively for individual producers and producer groups supplying Tesco, either directly or through approved suppliers.
The Nurture Module is not a standalone certification; rather, it operates as an extension of the core GLOBALG.A.P. IFA certification, incorporating additional requirements that are of particular importance to Tesco’s supply chain. The scheme was introduced in 2017 as a private add-on standard and was designed to enhance agricultural compliance, traceability, and the reliability of producers collaborating with one of the world’s leading retail chains.
What is the Nurture Module and How It Relates to GLOBALG.A.P. IFA
The Nurture Module is a specialized add-on certification built upon the logic and structure of the main GLOBALG.A.P. IFA certification. To be eligible for evaluation, a producer must already hold a valid IFA certification, as the scheme does not operate independently but builds upon the existing compliance framework.
This means that the Nurture Module audit is conducted alongside the IFA audit and does not create a separate certification cycle.
In practice, the Nurture Module functions as a targeted extension of GLOBALG.A.P. for producers who need to demonstrate compliance with specific Tesco requirements. Its structure is based on familiar and already implemented IFA principles, allowing businesses to integrate preparation smoothly into their overall agricultural compliance system.
Key Standard Requirements for Plant Protection and Traceability
The standard places particular emphasis on critical areas such as:
A significant part of the evaluation focuses on the management of approved and non-approved plant protection products, ensuring that the operation demonstrates the use of authorized substances and compliance with market-specific requirements.
At the same time, procedures related to residue monitoring and the ability of the business to document product flow from field to delivery are assessed.
For example, in fruit, vegetable, or floriculture production, the audit may focus on whether there are clear records of plant protection applications, proper batch segregation, and the ability to immediately identify products at any stage. This strengthens not only compliance but also production quality and export reliability.
How the Audit is Conducted and What is Evaluated
The Nurture Module assessment is carried out using a specific checklist that includes control points and compliance criteria. These points are verified together with those of the main IFA certification (for fruits and vegetables or flowers and ornamentals), without requiring a separate audit cycle.
In this way, results are integrated into the company’s annual inspection process.
Mandatory control points require 100% compliance, making early preparation essential. The audit focuses on both documentation and the practical implementation of requirements. Therefore, the business must demonstrate not only that procedures exist, but also that they are consistently applied in daily operations.
Certification Process and the Role of the Certification Body
The producer or producer group may select any approved certification body operating in their country, provided that the same body also performs the main GLOBALG.A.P. IFA audit. This is a fundamental requirement, as the Nurture Module is directly linked to the main certification and cannot be assessed independently by a different body.
The process typically includes eligibility confirmation, documentation preparation, annual assessment, and registration of results in the GLOBALG.A.P. online platform.
Certification bodies such as QMSCERT can support the entire certification process, from initial eligibility checks to audit planning and execution.
Benefits of Certification for Producers and Export Partnerships
Nurture Module certification provides significant commercial value to producers of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants who cooperate with—or aim to cooperate with—Tesco and its supplier network.
A key benefit is the reduction of duplicate audits within the supply chain, as many requirements are already integrated into the official inspection process.
Additionally, it enhances the company’s commercial credibility, demonstrates commitment to responsible agricultural practices, and facilitates product acceptance within demanding retail schemes. For export-oriented agricultural businesses, this translates into improved market access and a stronger position with buyers.
Preparation Before the Audit and Key Documentation
Proper preparation prior to the audit is critical. In practice, it is recommended to follow these key steps:
Well-structured documentation enables the business to effectively meet audit requirements and reduces the risk of non-conformities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact QMSCERT
If you are a producer or a producer group working with Tesco and require Nurture Module certification in combination with GLOBALG.A.P., please contact QMSCERT, which can carry out the audit in accordance with the requirements of the standard
| Audit Information & Expectations | Application Form |
|---|---|
| F-2711 | F-2712.OP1, F-2713.OP2 |