The Colombian Agricultural Institute, Bolivar branch, began to verify the properties of the Gold pineapple that is in the process of achieving the Good Agricultural Practices certification. This review is made prior to the final audit and it consists of a detailed analysis to identify any processes that don't comply with the sanitary requirements demanded by resolution 20009.
ICA officials verified the properties located in El Playon, and in the urban area of the municipality of Maria la Baja. There, they conducted a documentary review of the facilities, supply management, and sanitary controls.
They verified the documentary controls of the planting processes, propagating material from distributors certified by the ICA, spraying, harvesting, land use, and maintenance of equipment, among other things. This allows producers to have a traceability of the product and to access national and international markets.
They also verified that the facilities had marked spaces, that they stored their supplies, had resting and toilet areas for the workers, and conducted plant material disposal processes to prevent the arrival of plague insects that might place at risk the production.
They also checked the disinfection processes, the entry and exit control of people and animals to the orchards, and the exclusive use of tools and their proper disinfection. In addition, they verified that the staff was trained and that they had the support of a professional for the use and disposal of inputs.
"The Institute's accompaniment allows producers to implement good agricultural practices more efficiently, and allows us to answer questions regarding the processes and identify the possible changes that must be made to comply with the health requirements," said Leoncio Jaimes, head ICA's plant health in Bolivar.
It is important to remind producers that implementing good practices allows them to achieve a better quality fruit and vegetables, that poses no harm to human health. This will increase their profits and help them better exploit their productive capacities.
Producers interested in starting the good agricultural practices certification process can contact the nearest ICA offices.
Source: caracol.com.co