Why get NZFAP and NZFAP Plus certified?
WHY GET CERTIFIED?
NZFAP is your ticket to the world
In 2023 global exports of red meat and wool were worth more than $9bn to the New Zealand economy.
But global consumers are demanding more and better evidence of good farming practices from their suppliers.
NZFAP certification allows meat and wool companies to provide confidence and certainty to consumers worldwide that your red meat and wool products are of premium quality, trusted, and safe.
We want to help you get recognised for the great work you’re already doing, so you can get back to what really matters to you – farming.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
NZFAP
NZFAP certification provides evidence to consumers worldwide that your products are trusted, safe, and traceable. It also tells them your on-farm practices have been independently verified as meeting the high standards they've come to expect from New Zealand farmers around animal welfare.
This programme is for all red meat and wool farmers who want to be recognised for the great work they do and who don’t want to get left behind as international market demands evolve over time.
NZFAP covers the fundamental components of origin, traceability, food safety, and animal welfare. It is the assurance programme most commonly used by New Zealand's meat and wool companies to prove to consumers worldwide that your products are trusted, safe, and traceable.
It also tells them your on-farm practices have been independently verified as meeting the high standards they've come to expect from New Zealand farmers around animal welfare.
There’s no charge to you to get involved. You may even see savings from reduced duplication and improved on-farm practices - for example, being able to complete multiple market-specific audits on the same day.
Join over 8,500 farmers and wool producers who are already benefitting from being a part of the programme - apply now to get NZFAP certified.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get certified - what's the process?
You'll find everything you need to know about the application, audit, and certification process in the section 'Apply for NZFAP'.
What will it cost me?
Provided you have an active commercial relationship with a full NZFAI member, there will be no charge to you - the audit cost will be covered by the NZFAI member. If you don't have a current relationship but still want to be NZFAP certified, you can arrange to pay for your audit yourself. Contact us for more details.
How often will I be audited?
To maintain your certification, you’ll be audited every three years.
It’s important you get properly prepared for your recertification audit. This includes checking what’s changed since you were first certified. You'll find useful templates and resources here.
How long will the audit take?
You can expect the audit to take about two hours. Our auditors aren't there to try and trip you up, but they will be thorough - it’s essential for the reputation of the industry that we get this right.
I'm a wool producer, is anything different for me?
If your farm is NZFAP certified, your wool is automatically certified, subject to the wool meeting the NZFAP residency requirements when the sheep are shorn.
When sending your wool to your merchant, broker or exporter, just be sure to quote your farm assurance code on your wool specification sheet.
Once I'm certified, when will the auditor get in contact to arrange my next audit?
Our audit provider will contact you at least 60 days prior to your 36-month anniversary from your last audit. To ensure you maintain continuous certification, you must complete your audit at least 30 days prior to the anniversary of your last audit.
My farm details have changed. How do I update them?
If, for example, you have added a new block to your farm (provided you are using the same farming systems, procedures and records), have a new Farm Manager or Primary Farm Contact or your Key Contact Details have changed, you can update NZFAI by completing the Farm Information Change form or by contacting your livestock company or wool company representative.
How often does the NZFAP Standard get reviewed and updated?
NZFAI, together with its Technical Advisory Group, reviews the requirements under the Standard each year. Any changes made are released in July, with farmers audited against them from October of that year.
"Don't be afraid, give it a go, get on board, there's nothing to lose..."
Farmer, North Canterbury
WHY GET CERTIFIED?
Go the extra mile with NZFAP Plus
NZFAP Plus builds on the foundation NZFAP Programme and includes standards for people, environment, and biosecurity.
To participate, you’ll need to already be NZFAP certified.
This tiered programme is for farmers who want to be recognised for farming ethically and sustainably.
Silver requirements are about getting on the journey, identifying your key resources on farm, and taking foundational steps towards developing and implementing your Environment Plan.
Gold requirements are about implementation and ongoing monitoring of the plan and include requirements that are more aspirational and future focused.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get NZFAP Plus certified?
You'll find everything you need to know about the application, audit, and certification process in the section 'Apply for NZFAP Plus'.
How often will I be audited?
Your initial audit must be completed within three years of registering for the NZFAP Plus programme. Once you become certified, you will be re-audited prior to the three-year anniversary of your last audit.
How much does an audit cost?
Provided you have an active relationship with a full NZFAI member, the audit cost will be covered by the NZFAI member. If you don't have a current relationship but still want to be NZFAP Plus certified, you can arrange to pay for your audit yourself. Contact us for more details.
Can I get NZFAP and NZFAP Plus certified at the same time?
Yes, in fact, unless you have been NZFAP certified in the last 6 months, you'll be audited again for NZFAP requirements at the same time as your NZFAP Plus audit.
How long will my NZFAP Plus audit take?
Because you are likely to be audited against NZFAP requirements at the same time as your NZFAP Plus audit, you can expect the audit to take around six (6) hours (four (4) if being done as a standalone audit).
Once I'm certified, when will the auditor get in contact to arrange my next audit?
Our audit provider will contact you at least 60 days prior to your 36-month anniversary from your last audit. To ensure you maintain continuous certification, you must complete your audit at least 30 days prior to the anniversary of your last audit.
Please also remember you'll need to keep your NZFAP certification current to retain your NZFAP Plus certification.
My farm details have changed. How do I update them?
If, for example, you have added a new block to your farm (provided you are using the same farming systems, procedures and records), have a new Farm Manager or Primary Farm Contact or your Key Contact Details have changed, you can update NZFAI by completing the 'Farm Information Change Form' or by contacting your livestock company or wool company representative.
How often does the NZFAP Plus Standard get reviewed and updated?
NZFAI, together with its Technical Advisory Group, reviews the requirements under the Standard each year. Any changes made are released in July, with farmers audited against them from October of that year.
General enquiries:
Email: info@nzfap.com
New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated
Registered office:
Level 4, Wellington Chambers
154 Featherston Street
PO Box 121
Wellington 6140
New Zealand