DA-10 trains coffee farmers in Bukidnon on PhilGAP Certification

 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In its continued effort to promote sustainable and responsible agricultural practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Regulatory Division, conducted a training on Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) Certification, Guidelines, and Inspection Protocols for Coffee on August 6 to 7, at Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm, Impalambong, this city.

The two-day training convened coffee farmers and stakeholders to build their technical knowledge and practical competencies aligned with the standards set by the PhilGAP. The sessions focused on key pillars of sustainable farming, including food safety, maintaining product quality, managing environmental impacts, and upholding occupational health and welfare.

This initiative is part of the agency’s broader effort to establish sound agricultural practices across the region, with the objective of increasing the number of coffee farms that meet PhilGAP certification requirements.

PhilGAP is a certification framework developed by the DA to promote globally aligned protocols for the cultivation, harvesting, and handling of crops. It underscores the importance of producing safe and high-quality food while ensuring the sustainability of farming operations and the protection of agricultural workers. Farms that meet the standards are granted a PhilGAP certificate, which enhances their market access and competitiveness.

Prior to said event, DA-10 also conducted similar training on PhilGAP Certification, Guidelines, and Inspection Protocols for rice crop, targeting various areas across Northern Mindanao to expand its advocacy for standardized and elevated farming practices on key commodities.

In line with this continuing initiative, a meeting for PhilGAP-certified farmers in Northern Mindanao is also scheduled on August 14, which will serve as a platform for sharing updates, addressing concerns, and strengthening the partnership between the Department and its certified farming communities.# (EJLG)