Bishkek, 27 January 2024 - A major achievement for Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural sector: the first farms in the country—Uluk Agro, Ak-Dobo, and Jergetal-Akmatbek—have received GlobalG.A.P. certification. This landmark success, supported by UNDP under Phase IV of the "Aid for Trade" project, opens up direct access to international export markets, enhances product quality, and lays the groundwork for further growth within the sector. 

"Compliance with GlobalG.A.P. standards enhances the competitiveness of agricultural products, opening access to new sales markets," emphasized Samat Nasirdinov, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The certification process of these two companies involved intensive training for farmers, technical assistance, and close collaboration with certification bodies to streamline audits. This achievement serves as an inspiring model for other agricultural producers in Kyrgyzstan, encouraging the adoption of advanced standards that improve product quality and safety, ultimately facilitating easier access to global markets. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the initiative prioritized women’s participation, with over half of the training participants being women, ensuring equal access to knowledge and opportunities.

"The adoption of GlobalG.A.P. standards is transforming agriculture in Kyrgyzstan, making it both profitable and environmentally responsible," noted Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.

Agriculture in Kyrgyzstan is not just an economic sector but also a primary source of livelihood for most rural communities and a key part of the national identity. Despite its critical role, the sector faces significant challenges, including limited access to international markets and the lack of standardized practices, which hinder its growth and global competitiveness.

To address these issues, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, is actively promoting the adoption of GlobalG.A.P. standards under the "Aid for Trade" project. This initiative is transforming agricultural practices in Kyrgyzstan, making them more sustainable and unlocking new global market opportunities for farmers and producers.

To raise awareness and improve the skills of agricultural value chain participants, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry, organized three training sessions for farmers, agricultural cooperatives, local consultants, government officials, and private sector representatives. A total of 67 participants—54% of whom were women—gained practical knowledge about GlobalG.A.P. standards. The participants studied the process of implementation of standards in practice, certification process, best practices and experience of other countries. The workshop was not only a platform for learning, but also strengthened cooperation between stakeholders, bringing together efforts to implement sustainable agricultural practices. These workshops served not only as educational platforms but also as opportunities to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders, fostering collective efforts to implement sustainable agricultural methods.

The introduction of Global G.A.P. standards marks a significant milestone for Kyrgyzstan’s agriculture. By improving product safety, boosting market competitiveness, and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative benefits not only farmers but also paves the way for the sector’s long-term growth. UNDP remains committed to supporting Kyrgyzstan in achieving sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

About Global G.A.P.

Global G.A.P. is an internationally recognized certification system that ensures product safety at every stage of agricultural production—from seeds and animal feed to the final product. The adoption of these standards provides Kyrgyz farmers with numerous benefits, including:

• Access to new markets by meeting international requirements.
• Increased consumer trust and demand for their products.
• Enhanced investment opportunities through improved farm reputation.
• Reduced risks of product contamination and improved production hygiene.
• Compatibility with other standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 22000.

One of the key milestones has been the development of a National Interpretation Guideline for Global G.A.P. standards, tailored to the specific needs of Kyrgyz agriculture. This document adapts international requirements to local conditions, offering step-by-step guidance to farmers on implementing sustainable practices.