Training manual – Good agricultural practices (GAP) guidelines

Abstract

Food safety is of immense importance and has been a major concern of the consumers, more than its nutritive value and quality. The global trade in food commodities has further necessitated compliance to food safety, hygiene and environmental sustainability. Food commodities produced through climate-smart ways in terms of compliance to good agricultural and environmentally sustainable standards can enhance produce/product competitiveness in the national and international markets. Moreover, food safety is integral to the food and nutrition security of the local population. Capacity building of relevant stakeholders, including GAPs farmers is imperative for the promotion of GAPs at farmers’ field level. The current training manual comprises of two volumes, volume one presents general GAP guidelines for food safety, product quality, environmental management and workers safety, hygiene and welfare in line with Myanmar and ASEAN GAP key criteria and compliance standards, while volume two focuses on target crops specific Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs) at pre and post-harvest stages including processing, packing/packaging. Additional resources on GAPs standards, especially FAO GAP schemes for fruits and vegetables were also consulted with relevant practices included in the manual.