PPQ : Skim Persijilan Sayur-Sayuran
VEGETABLE CERTIFICATION SCHEME (VCS)
| Introduction
The need for farmers to produce safe food for public consumption has received much attention in recent years. The Production of is the eminent issue now. Towards this end the DOA Sarawak is committed to the production of pesticide-safe vegetable and has implemented varuous programmes to encourage and train farmers in producing wholesome vegetables for consumers. These include: the monitoring of pesticideds residies in vegetable; the net house system of vegetable cultivation to reduce the usage of pesticides and an aggressive research and development programme on the integrated pest management of vegetables incorporating the concept of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). To provide consumers with higher degree of confidence over the safety of locally grown vegetables, a certification scheme has now been launched. This scheme, known as the VEGETABLE CERTIFICATION SCHEME, allows vegetable farmers access to register themselves voluntarily with the Department of Agriculture to certify their farm in the production of pesticide-safe vegetables. |
The have to follow an auditable code of practice on pesticide usage on their farms. The staff of the Department would monitor their farms periodically to check on their credentials. To confirm compliance, samples of the vegetables produced are collected for pesticide residue analysis. A certificate is issued annually subject to the farmers being able to satisfy all the conditions specified under the scheme.
With such a scheme in place, consumers would have the confidence that the vegetables they eat are pesticide safe. Vegetables produced from these farms could have a marketing edge both for the local and export markets. For the first time, farmers who follow the introduced code of practice could be separated from the uncommitted. This scheme is an important step towards quality assurance regarding food safety in Sarawak. |
MISSION
The Department of Agriculture is fully commited to promoting and facilitatinf through technology transfer and the development of efficient and effective production of Pesticide-safe Vegetable.
OBJECTIVES
| (1) | To give recognition to farmers who have consistently produced pesticide-safe vegetables |
| (2) | To facilitate farmers obtain premium price through increased production of pesticide-safe vegetable |
| (3) | To provide consumers a choice to buy pesticide-safe vegetables |
STRATEGIES
- To conduct basic handling and specific pest and disease management courses for vegetable farmers
- To certify vegetable farms with the issue of Pesticide-safe Vegetable Certificate
- To monitor the certified vegetable farmes through advisory and enforcement work
- To organise proper marketing outlets through the Area Farmers' Organisations
VCS CONCEPT
The concept of the VCS is based on the farmers' own credibility and honesty to produce pesticides-safe vegetable through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The scheme takes on a voluntary basis by farmers themselves who have consistently produced vegetables within the Maximum pesticide Residual Limit (MRL) as stipulated under the Food Act.
The DOA has trained farmers on the judicious usage of chemicals and more specifically the Post Harvest Interval (PHI) concept introduced as a guide on pest and disease management. However, the knowledge of general pest and disease prevention and control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternate means other than chemical controls are highlighted in the training courses for farmers. It is compulsory for farmers to attend such training before they can be accepted into the VCS.
Being a self-respected service offered by the DOA to help GAP farmers from the masses, the DOA has to accredit them through the VCS certificate, in a document to ascertain consumers that farm produce from the certified farmers are reliable and would not contain excessive pesticide residue.
To put the VCS in operation, the DOA have organised a special uit (VCS Unit) at Headquarters and a similar unit each in the Divisions to implement toe scheme. The 3 main components of the VCS are:
(1) Farmers' accreditation
(2) Follow-up enforcement work
(3) Marketing and labelling
The initial work on VCS is undertaken by staff from the extension and research divisions who are involved in conducting the chemical analysis and monitoring of farm records. The extension staff of the DOA in its enforcement activity, must do follow-up checks in the farms and re-sampling at required intervals. As for marketing of VCS certified vegetables, it is identified through the use of special labels or tags and packaging materials. The use of such recognisable materials are equally important to consumers. This function is handled by the Area Farmers' Organisations throughout the State with the State Farmers' Organisation plauing a central role at the Headquarters level.
To ensure good media publicity, news coverage and sale campaigns are also required. This is done through the MASTANI programmes, newspapers and leaflet/poster publications.
Contributed by Vegetables Certification Unit (VCU)
