Mango farmers undergo seminar for GAP certification
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-- The Regional Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Team conducted an orientation-seminar for the Mango Growers Association of Orani, Bataan at Bataan Peninsula State Univertsity, Orani, Bataan over the weekend.
Regional Gap Team Focal Person Angel Tulabut said that the group requested the orientation-seminar so that they will be certified GAP mango growers. Atotalof30 farmers participated in the seminar.
Aside from the usual crops that needs GAP Certification, one of the significant fruits being grown in Central Luzon is the mango. Known to be one of the sweetest in the world, Philippine Mango is not only popular locally but is renowned w or l dw i de.
“Their market such as Dizon Farm and other supermarkets warrants them to be GAP certified, and we also want to impart knowledge to the farmers regarding the various aspects of mango farming, and at the moment, the export markets demand for GAP certification” Tulabut explained
Topics discussed during the seminar was Philippine National Standard for Mango from planting up to post-harvest, Republic Act 10611 or the Strengthening of the Food Safety Act of the Philippines, Cultural Management Practices on how to attain competitive products, Mitigation of Climate Change in adoption of new technologies for environmental management, Protection of the welfare of the farmers engage in farm activities and the Certification process on how to attain GAP certification.
On the third week of November, the farmers group will be inspected for certification.
One of the farmers, Alvin Naguit said that they will be able to know proper protocols in handling fertilizers and pesticide hence ensuring the safety and health of the mango growers but also the environment. “With our upcoming certification on GAP, we will be able to have the competitive edge needed and access to much more markets” the farmer added.
At present, Region III leads all other regions in the number of GAP farms accr ed i t ed .