GAP is a study of the whole process of Chinese herbal medicine production, including environmental monitoring of producing areas, optimal land, seed quality standards, standardization of various production technologies, post-harvest harvesting, processing, quality inspection, storage and transportation, etc. The research and production of GAP is a long-term and arduous task, and there are many problems to be studied and solved, such as the guiding principles of GAP production varieties and suitable planting areas, environmental quality standards of Chinese herbal medicine bases, guiding principles of specific Chinese herbal medicine varieties production, technical regulations and standards for Chinese herbal medicine production, detection techniques and quality standards for heavy metals and pesticide residues in Chinese herbal medicines, and standards for packaging, storage and transportation of Chinese herbal medicine products. GAP, a traditional Chinese medicine, is an integral part of the standardized drug management system, the source of traditional Chinese medicine production, and the comprehensive embodiment of pharmacy, agronomy, biology, environmental ecology, chemistry, geography, management and law. Its content is rich, and it is a complex system engineering.
GAP has been implemented in China for nearly two years. However, with the rise of the international trend of "returning to nature", the effect of standardized management and strict monitoring of the quality of Chinese herbal medicines has emerged, showing its strong vitality and inevitable trend of development. GAP research and production in China is still in the pilot stage, and relevant laws, regulations and supporting standards are being formulated.
GAP provides the requirements and guidelines that should be followed in the production of Chinese herbal medicines, which are uniformly used in all kinds of Chinese herbal medicines and production bases. Each production base should formulate feasible methods and measures that meet the requirements of GAP according to its own production varieties, environmental characteristics, technical conditions, economic strength and scientific research strength, which is the standard operating procedures (SOP). SOP is a reliable traceability system and one of the training materials for researchers, managers and producers. The formula should be scientific, complete, practical and rigorous, and it has been proved feasible by scientific research and technical test and production practice.
At present, we should pay attention to the research and formulation of SOPs: the present situation, evaluation and dynamic change of agricultural environmental quality; Standards for seeds and seedlings of Chinese herbal medicines; Experience summary and optimal combination of cultivation techniques; Study on species, occurrence regularity and integrated control methods of pests and diseases; Specifications for the use of pesticides and standards for safe use; Determination of maximum pesticide residue and safe interval; Rational use of fertilizer and harmless treatment of farm manure; Harvesting and processing standards; Packaging, storage and transportation standards, etc.