Control Union is one of the largest certification bodies worldwide with more than 100 years of experience in the produce industry. Our expertise covers the key certification fields in agriculture: organic, food safety and sustainability. “We provide services like certification, inspection and testing to clients in more than 80 countries,” says Daniel Montes, Business Development Manager.
Fresh Produce Industry Services
Control Union offers the following programs for the produce industry:
Food Safety:
• Primus GFS
• Global GAP (good agricultural practices)
Social Compliance:
• SMETA (ethical, social, environmental audit)
• Fair Trade USATM
Organic:
• EU Organic
• Japanese Organic standard (JAS)
• LPO de Mexico y USDA NOP
Sustainability:
• regenagri (focus on soil health and climate change solutions)
• GHG verification (greenhouse gas)
In the ever changing fresh produce world, growers, producers, processors, warehouses and shippers must comply with many certification requirements and schemes, depending on buyers and legislation. Control Union utilizes its global network to provide comprehensive solutions for your entire supply chain.
“Whether it’s certifications, commodity inspections, or collateral management services, our clients can find everything they need in one place and one communication channel,” says Montes, “and we guarantee that our assessments are totally independent.”
How We Work
From our Florida headquarters, Control Union services many produce clients in the Southeast. “A client receives the buyer’s request for a new assessment—social compliance, for example,” says Montes. “We move quickly in the application and contracting stage to schedule an audit as soon as possible within our client’s deadlines.”
Many Control Union clients use more than one program, such as the three main schemes: Primus GFS, organic and SMETA. “We help our clients design customized programs to meet their goals,” adds Montes.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
Control Union is always moving forward, serving the produce industry by offering the newest programs. “With the industry heading towards a more sustainable future, we offer the latest sustainable programs— regenagri, FSA, GHG verifications and more,” says Montes. “Our goal is to build a better tomorrow for us and our partners. Together we are focused on a more sustainable, more efficient and safer world.” For more information, visit us at usa.controlunion.com
