Question & AnswerQ&A (BAFPS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 25, S. 2005)
The BAFPS is mandated to formulate and enforce standards of quality in processing, preservation, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and advertising of agriculture and fisheries products.
The objectives include increasing market access locally and internationally, empowering farmers to meet food safety and quality criteria, facilitating adoption of sustainable practices, uplifting the profile of GAP farmers, and enabling consumers to buy traceable and certified quality produce.
The Committee is composed of Directors of attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture, representatives from the private sector, NGO, and academe. The Chairperson is from BAFPS, and the Co-Chairperson is from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Members include Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), GMA-High Value Commercial Crops Program representative, Private Sector representative, NGO/PO representative, and Academe.
Tasks include reviewing and approving applications, endorsing applicants to the Secretary for certification, reviewing and approving changes in standards and fees, hearing appeals, reviewing complaints, determining penalties, negotiating complaint settlements, and designating qualified inspectors.
Eligible applicants are individual growers, Produce Marketing Organizations (PMOs), and companies/corporations applying national or company schemes.
Documents include farm/organization profile, company/corporation certificate of registration, track record of the farm or company, and for PMOs, proof of 100% control of registered growers adhering to the DA Code of GAP.
An inspector conducts a farm audit, may take samples for testing at the applicant's cost, conducts an exit interview, and reviews compliance with farm structure, environment, farming practices, and management according to the GAP Code.
The GAP certificate is valid for three years. Renewal requires submitting an application one month before expiry, followed by an inspection within 30 days.
Penalties include fines, suspension, or withdrawal of the GAP certification award which will be publicly announced.
Only certified farms can use the mark on letterheads, advertisement materials, and packaging in accordance with set specifications. Unauthorized use or use without certification is an offense.
Information such as production practices, ingredients, customer lists, and complaint logs are confidential unless written permission is given, except for basic identifying information or if required by court order or investigation.
Having an economic interest with a producer or packer under review one year prior to, during, or one year after work or employment with the Committee is a conflict of interest, and such members must disclose and abstain from related decisions.
The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) acts as the secretariat.