Question & AnswerQ&A (ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 01, S. 2018)
The main objectives are to facilitate the adoption of the four GAP modules covering food safety, produce quality, environmental management, and workers' health, safety and welfare; and to facilitate the availability and access of Philippine agricultural crops to ASEAN and other foreign markets.
Individual producers and groups such as cooperatives, corporations, institutions or organizations/associations involved in crop production can apply for PhilGAP certification.
The two options are: 1) Individual certification where a single producer applies, and 2) Group certification where a group like a cooperative or corporation applies based on its quality or internal control system.
The four modules are food safety, produce quality, environmental management, and workers' health, safety and welfare.
The PhilGAPCC is chaired by the BPI Assistant Director and composed of chiefs of relevant BPI divisions. It evaluates applications, recommends qualified applicants for certification, acts on complaints and possible revocation, endorses inspectors, and reviews program guidelines annually.
They must hold a degree in agriculture or related science courses with training and experience in food safety principles, crop management, integrated pest management, postharvest techniques, and environmental management.
Application form, farm profile, farm map or area map with GPS coordinates, field operation procedures including fertilizer and pesticide use, certificate of training on PhilGAP, and production and harvesting records covering at least one production cycle or three months.
A team of up to three inspectors conducts farm evaluation using a checklist based on Philippine National Standards, may take samples for lab analysis, prepares inspection reports, and coordinates follow-up inspections if needed.
The PhilGAP certificate is valid for two years from issuance. Renewal requires submission of updated records, maps, and manuals, filing of application at least three months before expiry, and re-inspection preferably during harvest season.
Unauthorized use is subject to penalties under the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) and Philippine Patent Laws.
Non-compliance with major provisions of the relevant Philippine National Standard Code of GAP or failure to comply with guidelines as shown by audit reports or investigations of complaints can lead to certificate revocation.
Information on production practices and other sensitive data shall not be released without written consent from the applicant, except for general info like name, address, approval date, court orders, or investigations by the certification committee.
They have the right to file a written appeal within 15 days after notification stating the facts and reasons for the appeal, which must be acted upon within 60 days of receipt.
Application and initial laboratory analyses are free. If there is non-compliance requiring subsequent tests, the applicant must shoulder the cost of further laboratory analyses.