Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) refer to an approach in agricultural production that aims to ensure that it does not harm human health and the environment.
GAP is applied in various fields of agriculture based on sustainable agricultural principles, aiming to carry out agricultural production in a quality, safe, and environmentally friendly manner.
Good Agricultural Practices are based on the following fundamental principles:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): It aims to minimize the use of chemical control methods and reduce the negative impact of harmful organisms on the environment and human health. It encourages the use of natural methods such as biological, cultural, and physical control.
Integrated Crop Management (ICM): It aims to manage agricultural processes holistically, including plant nutrition, irrigation management, soil preparation, harvesting, and storage. It promotes the integrated use of various methods to increase productivity, conserve natural resources, and encourage environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Hygiene and Food Safety: Ensuring hygienic conditions during post-harvest and storage stages, implementing food safety measures, and preventing any contamination in products are essential components of Good Agricultural Practices. The principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) are utilized.
Environmental Sensitivity: Good Agricultural Practices aim to minimize environmental impacts and preserve natural resources. Prioritizing sustainable water management, preventing soil erosion, supporting biological diversity, and reducing environmental pollution are emphasized within this framework.
Good Agricultural Practices not only focus on quality and efficiency in agricultural production but also consider environmental and social responsibilities. Sustainability in agricultural production, environmental preservation, efficient use of natural resources, and consideration of human health are the central objectives of Good Agricultural Practices.
