DOST trains Moncada farmers on good agri practices

TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted an orientation-seminar on good agricultural practices (GAP) to the farmers of Sapang Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMPC) in Moncada, Tarlac.

SMPC is one of the major producers of sweet potato in the country. 

DOST Provincial Director Karen Dañez said the activity targets to upgrade the trading posts for sweet potato, focusing on storage and packaging facilities. 

“The discussions revolved in giving the participants a better appreciation of food safety and assuring the quality of agricultural products while keeping high regard for environmental protection and that of workers’ health, safety, and welfare,” Dañez said. 

Taking into account economic, social and environmental sustainability, GAP involves principles applicable to on-farm production and post-production processes, which yield safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products. 

For his part, SMPC General Manager and Chairperson Cesar Tabago extended his gratitude to DOST Tarlac in behalf of the cooperative. 

“GAP is essential, especially to our farmers. Because of this seminar, we can now correct the common mistakes that we have been making in the past. We are very thankful to DOST for this project,” Tabago said. 

The activity is part of the agency’s Smart Food Value Chain Program. (CLJD/TJBM PIA-3 with Mclorens Sirbough, intern)