Need for Accreditation of Oil Palm Nurseries
- Accreditation is required to ensure high-quality and productive oil palm seedlings.
- Accredited nurseries must undergo regular monitoring and inspection.
- Nurseries must submit quarterly inventories and reports maintaining quality standards.
Definitions and Key Terms
- Oil Palm Nursery: Establishments propagating oil palm seedlings from imported seeds.
- Accredited Nursery: PCA-certified nurseries capable of producing high-quality planting materials.
- Nursery Inspection Agreement: Written agreement allowing PCA inspection of nursery premises.
- Accreditation: Official recognition by PCA to qualified nursery operators.
- PCA Inspection and Accreditation Team: The team tasked with nursery inspections.
- Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc. (PPDCI): Stakeholders’ private association recognized by PCA.
- F1 Planting Materials: Seeds from mother palms pollinated artificially bearing desirable traits.
- High Quality Planting Materials: Healthy, pest-free seedlings with no abnormalities.
- Lethal Yellowing Disease: A fatal disease caused by phytoplasma affecting coconut and oil palm.
- Oil Palm Seedling Abnormalities: Common deformities in seedlings causing major yield losses.
Eligible Applicants for Accreditation
- Individuals or Sole Proprietors registered with DTI.
- Partnerships or Corporations registered with SEC.
- Cooperatives registered with the Cooperatives Development Authority.
- Associations registered with the Bureau of Rural Workers or DOLE.
Accreditation Application Procedures
- Applications filed with PCA Provincial Office having jurisdiction.
- Complete application endorsed to Regional Manager.
- Execution of Nursery Inspection Agreement required.
- Non-refundable registration fee of 25,000 PHP.
- Inspection conducted within 3 days by PCA Inspection and Accreditation Team.
- Certificate of Accreditation issued or rejected within 24 hours after inspection report.
Documentation and Requirements for New Nursery Operators
- Copies of business registration certificates and permits.
- Business plan or feasibility study.
- Rated capacity and nursery location map.
- Supplier details and seed source.
- Certification of trained personnel by PPDCI.
Requirements for Existing Nursery Operators
- Registration within six months of the Order's publication.
- Accreditation mandatory before supplying planting materials for projects.
Accreditation Validity and Renewal
- Valid for one calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
- Renewals require payment of registration fee.
- PCA retains right to inspect during renewal process.
Regular Monitoring and Inspection
- Quarterly monitoring by PCA Regional Offices.
- Quarterly submission of detailed status reports and inventories on seed sources, seedling counts, sales, and culling.
- Compliance to Good Agricultural Practices mandatory covering site selection, irrigation, seed handling, mulching, fertilization, pest and disease management.
Cancellation of Accreditation
- Grounds: violations of rules, misrepresentation of data, or non-compliance.
- Procedures: Notice of violation within 7 days, 30-day period to comply, subsequent cancellation if no compliance.
- Sanctions include sanctions in Nursery Inspection Agreement and confiscation or destruction of inferior materials.
General Provisions
- Imported seeds must be delivered only to designated accredited nurseries.
- Propagation from non-F1 planting materials is prohibited.
- Importation from countries with Lethal Yellowing disease or pests is banned.
- PCA and BPI monitor quarantine and testing.
- Only PCA-accredited nurseries may propagate and sell seedlings.
- Nurseries must prominently display accreditation and relevant business info.
- Nursery Inspection Agreement includes culling rate, PCA access, and confiscation conditions.
Enforcement and Coordination
- PCA coordinates with government agencies, PPDCI, and planters for strict implementation.
- PCA may enlist assistance from other government or law enforcement units.
Sanctions
- Violators subject to cancellation or suspension of accreditation.
- Fines up to PHP 20,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years.
- PCA personnel violating provisions face sanctions under Civil Service laws.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent orders, circulars, and rules are amended, modified, or repealed.
Effectivity
- The rules become effective 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.