Bicol: Farms in Bicol certified by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) as compliant with Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) have reached 221, the agency reported Thursday. Lovella Guarin, DA-Bicol spokesperson, said PhilGAP ensures safe and high-quality agricultural products while complying with food safety, environmental management, and worker health standards under the Food Safety Act of 2013.

According to Philippines News Agency, it is important for farms to be certified by PhilGAP as it benefits farmers with higher income due to better quality produce. The certification provides a market advantage and opens up opportunities for increased income for farmers. PhilGAP certification also reduces farmers' exposure to dangerous pesticides through proper use and promotes sustainable farming practices that do not damage soil and water. GAP compliance is also a requirement for the global export market.

Camarines Norte has the most certified farms with 107, followed by Masbate with 39, Albay with 37, Camarines Sur with 35, Catanduanes with 2, and Sorsogon with 1. On Wednesday, PhilGAP Team-Bicol awarded certificates to 18 farms in Basud and 10 in San Vicente, both in Camarines Norte. Three new farms and three Gulayan sa Paaralan (renewal) in Ragay, Camarines Sur, and Albay were also certified, including PhilRICE-Bicol Palayamanan.

Guarin encouraged farm owners to register by attending GAP training conducted by accredited extension service providers. Applicants must submit requirements to the municipal agriculture office for validation, followed by endorsement to the provincial agriculture office. The GAP Secretariat then conducts a field inspection before final certification. Three DA Bicol research stations-the Camarines Norte Lowland Rainfed Research Station in Daet, the Albay Experiment Station in Tabaco City, and the Albay Breeding Station in Camalig-are also PhilGAP certified.