CamSur farmers benefit from training on good agri practices

Under the High Value Crops Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which aims to promote food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable growth, a two-day training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on vegetable production was conducted on September 3-4, 2019. The event was hosted by DA-Region V, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, at Macagang Business Center, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

As part of Governor Miguel Luis Villafuerte’s goal to further increase the province’s production of high value crops, the provincial government consistently supports GAP trainings held for CamSur farmers.

The training, which aims to empower farmers and entrepreneurs, was attended by members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), 4H Club, and Rural Based Organizations (RBO) from different parts of the province. The training focused on enhancing the participants’ knowledge on various technologies on vegetable production, application and basic principles of GAP, and GAP accreditation and certification.

Lectures on sustainable vegetable production, cultural management practices for vegetables, seedling management, post harvesting, and insect, pests and disease management were also among the topics discussed in the event.

DA introduces GAP on vegetable production through the PhilGAP modules, which include food security, quality production, environmental management, and worker health, safety and welfare. PhilGAP is also a government certification program for agricultural crops for food consumption. DA is committed to strengthening the PhilGAP program by leading its implementation and certification services in the region. The certifiers are from DA, and the certification services is free of charge. Technical assistance services will be provided by regional GAP teams, while capacity building services will be provided by the Agricultural Training Institute & DA.

“Kadakol akong nanudan sa importansya kan sustainability asin safety kan satuyang kakanun. Nakakatabang ini sa mga para-oma asin sa mga lokal na negosyong pang-agrikultura. Dakulang solusyon man ini sa kapobrehan. Nabasog ang sakuyang kaaraman sa seminar na ini kang DA asin gobyerno probinsyal,” shared by Azucena Mampo from Canaman, Camarines Sur, a training participant.

GAP aims to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability for farm processes. Through these practices, safe and quality food and agricultural products are made. GAP is also used to expand investments in high value commercial crops, which in turn increases economic growth.