THE CITY Agriculturist’s Office Fruit Production Division urged farmers to consider Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards as a “way of life” instead of for certification’s sake.
During the Davao City Disaster Radio episode on Aug. 21, Fe Oguio, the division focal person, said following GAP will benefit farmers since they could produce quality products that are globally competent.
“Kung mag after ka ang imohang produkto maka reach og other countries, abiding with GAP isa ka dakong stepping stone nga ma achieve as a farmer (Abiding by GAP is a huge stepping stone for farmers if you want your products to reach the international stage),” Oguio said.
Oguio said GAP does not only focus on the quality of produce but also ensures food safety, environmental protection, and workers’ health and welfare. It’s a “bare minimum” for farmers to compete.
Among the GAP compliance requirements include providing a shed and resting place for farmers, implementation of wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers, proper placement of farm tools, fertilizers and pesticides and installation of the perimeter fence to avoid biological contamination.
Oguio also urged farmers to observe farm consistency practices once they achieve GAP certification.
“Dili basta-basta nga nakatatak imong produkto ana nga logo, nya wala ka nagsunod sa practices (It’s difficult to stamp that logo on your product only for you to stop following good practices). When you have that logo, you are among the certified farms in the Philippines,” Oguio said.
Meanwhile, as of the first week of June, Oguio said that only a total number of 555 metric tons of Durian was exported due to multiple factors, such as its variety. For instance, China only accepts Puyat, D101, Cob Yellow, and Duyaya due to their golden-colored flesh.
However, she discouraged farmers from mono-cropping durian despite the high global market demand since the fruit is considered seasonal.
