Manolo Fortich, BUKIDNON--- The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X conducted a Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Fruits and Vegetables on June 14-17, 2022 at Alomah’s Place and Nature Farm, Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
The activity was participated by 26 participants composed of 23 Agriculture Extension Workers and three farmers from the different municipalities in the region, of which the majority were from Bukidnon.
The activity aims to train more AEWs to assist GAP-certified farms to remain compliant, following its revised regulations and procedures in issuing, maintaining, and revoking PhilGAP Certificates. They will also be instrumental in increasing the number of GAP-Certified farms in the region.
The first two days of the training were highlighted with the discussion on the importance of Food Safety Management for Plant food and the status quo of the fruits and vegetable industry with Ms. Roxette Ann Quindala of the Bureau of Plant Industry-Region 10, and Ms. Jinky C. Yap of the DA-RFO 10 Operation Division.
The proceeding days were focused on learning the Code of Practice on GAP for Fruits and Vegetables and the PhilGAP Certification Process and its elements. The highlighted topics were the modified rules and procedures for issuance, renewal, and revoking of the PhilGAP certificates. The Code is applicable to fresh vegetable and fruit’s hygienic production, and primary processing cultivated for human consumption.
The participants have undergone a field practicum on-field inspection following the GAP certification checklist and compliance form. The field activity was conducted at Alomah’s lettuce farm and herb garden. Also, participants individually presented the results of their field inspection.
Aside from the results of their field inspection, participants likewise submitted a GAP-compliant farm lay-out and their action plan as their major output of the training,
The Code of GAP aimed to prevent and minimize risk incidences involving food and environmental safety, workers' and consumers' health, and product quality. The increasing number of farmers following GAP will help improve the competitiveness of the agriculture products in the country and promote safety against food hazards .###
(from the reports of Moisa Nina C. Paglinawan and Antoinette Nebris).
