THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has launched a premium rice product cultivated by farming communities it has assisted.
Called GAPproved Rice, it was introduced during the Institute’s Lakbay Palay in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, on September 18 to 19 that gathered over a thousand farmers, extension workers and local government units.
GAPproved Rice also underwent assessment on good agricultural practices (GAP) led by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). PhilRice and BPI are agencies under the Department of Agriculture.
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has been transferring various technologies to rice farmers so they can acquire certification for good agricultural practices, among others. Photo shows a techno demo conducted by PhilRice in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, on Sept. 20, 2024. PHILRICE PHOTO
Karen Eloisa Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive director for development, said the launch of GAPproved Rice is a milestone.
“GAPproved Rice is not only a step toward healthier food choices for consumers but also supports local farmers in meeting global standards,” she said.
Violeta Rayos, manager of Manggalang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Marbenco) — the first cooperative in the country to achieve PhilGAP certification — said that PhilRice assisted them in seeking the certification.
“PhilRice project called RiceBIS, or Rice Business Innovations System, provided essential training, seminars and evaluations, which helped us during the thorough inspection of our cooperative products and capabilities,” she said.
With the certification, Rayos anticipates improved market positioning for their products.
Building on Marbenco’s success, 289 farms covering 287.4 hectares have also earned certification, with 1,002 more farms currently undergoing assessment. The number of PhilGAP-certified farms has increased from 10 in 2022 to 23 this year.
PhilRice, through collaborations with government agencies and private partners, aims to further expand the availability of GAPproved Rice across the country. It will soon be available in select markets nationwide.
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