Is GlobalGAP Certification of Small-Scale Farmers Sustainable? Evidence from Thailand

This paper presents a panel data analysis of the impacts of donor-supported GlobalGAP certification on farmers' net household incomes and estimates the factors influencing continued compliance with the standard after the withdrawal of donor support. Our results show that farmers certified in producer-managed groups derive significant benefits from certification. In contrast, producers organised in exporter-managed certification groups and smaller farmers in general do not experience comparable income increases. Regarding the determinants of continued compliance, we find that support from exporters and the scale of the farming operation are the most important factors influencing the renewal of the GlobalGAP certificate.