Seminar

SEMINAR OF ASEAN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE (GAP)

Brunei Darussalam

11-12 July 2008

Kampong Parit Recreation Park

Jalan Mulaut - Limau Manis

ASEAN GAP is a voluntary standard for good agricultural practice during the

production, harvesting and postharvest handling of fresh fruit and vegetables in

the ASEAN region. The practices in ASEAN GAP are aimed at preventing or

minimising the risk of hazards occuring. The hazards covered by ASEAN GAP

include food safety, environmental impacts, worker health, safety and welfare,

and produce quality.

Global trade in fresh fruit and vegetables is increasing as trade become freer.

Changes in consumer lifestyles in the ASEAN region and throughout the world

are driving the demand for assurance that fruit and vegetables are safe to eat

and of the right quality, and are produced and handheld in a manner that does

not cause harm to the environment and the health, safety and welfare of

workers.

The impact of these trends is increasing requirements from retailers for

compliance with GAP programs and the introduction by governments of legal

requirements for food safety, environmental protection, and worker health,

safety and welfare.

The member countries of ASEAN have a common farming practices,

infrastructures, and weather patterns. The implementation of GAP programs

currently within the ASEAN region varies, with some countries having

government certified systems and others beginning the journey with

awareness programs for farmers.

The purpose of ASEAN GAP is to enhance the harmonisation of GAP

programs within the ASEAN region. This will facilitate trade between ASEAN

countries and to global markets, improve viability for farmers, and help sustain

a safe food supply and the environment.

The scope of ASEAN GAP covers the production, harvesting and postharvest

handling of fresh fruit and vegetables on farm and posharvest handling in

locations where produce is packed for sale. Products that present a high risk to

food safety, such as sprouts and fresh cut products, are not covered in the

scope of ASEAN GAP, ASEAN GAP may be used for all types of production

systems but it is not a standard for certification of organic products or GMO

free products.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF ASEAN GAP

HOW ASEAN GAP WAS DEVELOPED

To develop ASEAN GAP, a series of workshops were held involving representatives from the ASEAN member countries and the Australian project team. The initial workshop drew on the experiences with implementing GAP programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Philippines. Certified systems and guidelines for GAP from other countries in the world were also reviewed.

Subsequent workshops refined the standard to ensure that the recommended practices were relevant and achievable for all member countries and consistent with existing GAP programs.

STRUCTURE OF ASEAN GAP

ASEAN GAP consists of four modules covering food safety, environmental

management, worker health, safety and welfare, and produce quality. Each

module can be used alone or in combination with other modules. This

enables progressive implementation of ASEAN GAP, module by module

based on individual country priorities.