A German private organization specializing in company certification has ignited controversy with a Polisario-affiliated NGO. GLOBALG.A.P, known for certifying Moroccan and international agricultural companies operating in Western Sahara as "responsible," is facing criticism from the Western Sahara Resource Watch according to a statement. Headquartered in Brussels, the association argues that these certifications are at odds with the Court of Justice of the European Union's (CJEU) rulings from October 4, 2024, which exclude products from the Sahara from agricultural and fishing agreements made with Morocco. "GLOBALG.A.P. does not clarify whether the certifications for Moroccan companies in occupied Western Sahara have the consent of the Sahrawi people," questions the WSRW. The CJEU has allowed a twelve-month transition period during which the EU-Morocco trade agreement still applies to products from Western Sahara. "After this transition phase, a stable local legal framework will be essential to continue the GLOBALG.A.P certification program in Western Sahara. Until then, GLOBALG.A.P's guidelines for certification bodies remain valid," responded the German organization to inquiries from the pro-Polisario NGO. As a reminder, on September 10, EU ambassadors are set to review a proposal from the European Commission to amend the trade agreement with Morocco. This meeting is scheduled three weeks before the CJEU rulings take effect.
