DA to review certification for animal rearing practices

MANILA  -The Department of Agriculture (DA) is reconvening a technical working group to improve the process for issuing a good animal husbandry practices (GAHP) certification.

In a special order, the DA said it was recomposing the technical working group to improve the implementation of the GAHP Certification Program.

The group is responsible for assisting the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) director in the development of effective policies. It is also tasked to review current issuances related to the GAHP Certification Program and to identify and revise areas that need to be updated or amended.

Aside from collecting industry data and information, the group needs to consult and collaborate with industry stakeholders.

It will also review all recommendations gathered in the certification and formulate and recommend policies.

“The GAHP-TWG shall meet at least twice a year or as the need arises to discuss matters and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the implementation of [the] GAHP Certification Program,” the DA said.

Good animal husbandry practices refer to the set of good practices and minimum requirements for raising or rearing animals.

These are needed to ensure that the farming practices of an establishment will result in produce that is safe and fit for human consumption.

At the same time, these aim to guarantee health safety and comfort to both farm workers and animals while preventing the entry of animal diseases.

Industry players such as backyard and commercial piggery farm owners and poultry raisers, goat raisers, cattle raisers and carabao raisers are enjoined to follow good animal husbandry practices to ensure food safety and quality, protect and promote the welfare of animals, health and safety of farm workers and support environmental management.

—Jordeene B. Lagare