As the consumption of fresh produce has increased, so has the number of foodborne illness outbreaks due to food contaminations and some sort. Recognizing the dire need to educate producers in reducing the risk of contamination, particularly on fruits and vegetables, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) conducted Training of Trainers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Fruits and Vegetables on April 17-21, 2023 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.
Twenty-seven (27) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and practitioners had the opportunity to learn the standards on fruits and vegetable production, enhancing their functional and commodity-based competencies through the five-day training.
Floram Ville Farm in Alcala Pangasinan and at the Teraoka Farms in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.
The training focused on the production of fruits and vegetables, alongside the modules of GAP to include food safety, produce quality, environmental management, and farmers’ health, safety and wellness; GAP certification; and GAP inspection process.
A mock inspection was conducted to provide the participants with a first-hand experience as GAP inspectors where they observed and assessed farm practices, particularly on conformities, hazards, and risks based on the standards. The Mock Inspection activity was conducted at the Floram Ville Farm in Alcala, Pangasinan, and at the Teraoka Farms in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. The results of the inspection were discussed with the farm owners emphasizing farm practices that do not conform to standards and their corresponding recommendations.
The participants prepared an action plan on how to help farmers particularly fruit and vegetable producers in their respective areas to achieve safe and quality produce. The five-day training was accredited by the Philippine Regulatory Commission for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with 6 points.
