As one of the target farms for Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) certification, the Department of Agriculture (DA-RFO-CAR) personnel conducted a mock inspection in the PosPos farm at Caluttit, Bontoc, Mountain Province on March 22, 2018.
According to Dr. Leisley Deligen, GAHP Inspector of DA-RFO-CAR, through the inspection the farm owner will be given the chance to improve the necessary equipment, facilities and documents before the final evaluation.
“Some of the things for improvement and should be present at the farm are the biosecurity system, permits from concerned agencies, and operations manual,” added Deligen.
The PosPos farm is one of the private farms in Bontoc which mainly produce fresh goat’s milk for local consumption and kid production. Also, it was identified as a potential candidate for GAHP Certification as long as it meets the minimum requirements needed.
“Considering the requirements of GAHP, as to the area and number of animals of the farm, it is qualified to apply,” said Josephine Dao-wan, Veterinarian II of the Mt. Province Provincial Veterinary Office.
The inspection was through assessment and compliance to criteria based on the checklist and also by recommendation.
“The inspection is a big help for us to improve and complete the requirements for certification,” stated Fonete Dirige, farm owner.
Dirige mentioned that they wanted to be GAHP certified for their farm to be competitive in producing quality and safe products, as well as to increase production and income to pay back investments.
“We will do our best to comply and submit all the necessary documents since it is for the benefit of consumers if GAHP certified,” said Domingo Cabfeng, farm supervisor.
The GAHP is one government program which targets to set out the general principles of good practice and minimum requirements for the production, handling, transportation and storage of the animals and its products within the farm in the commercial or backyard rearing/ farming of animals for food use.
“Although it is not mandated by the government, the farm owners are still encouraged to support and participate in the said program,” ended Dao-wan.
By Aurita S. Budikey
