ADVANTAGES OF myGAP CERTIFICATION

[David White]

The qualification scheme established by the Department of Agriculture in 2002 is intended to expand acknowledgment to farms performing GAP in compliance with an environmentally sustainable definition and to maintain the health and protection of workers to provide high-quality, healthy, and suitable goods/services. The system was developed in compliance with the Malaysian Standard MS1784:2005 Good Agricultural Practices for Crop Commodities (GAP).

MyGAP certification in Malaysia is a new classification or rebranding of the Crop Sector SALM (Malaysian Good Farm Practice System).

So why achieving myGAP really matter in Malaysia?

• Results in premium agricultural products which are suitable for use, because the residual content of pesticides in the commodity would be at permitted amounts.
• It eliminates air emissions.
• Prioritizes the solution for Integrated Pest Control.
• Reduces chemical misuse.
• It guarantees the safety and well-being of farmworkers.
• Brings higher crop efficiency.
• In the domestic and overseas markets, agricultural goods are readily identifiable and can thrive with this reputation.
• Promotes the creation of an effective and environmentally friendly national agricultural sector.
• The MyGAP emblem on the packaging of the product ensures customers that the product is safe and controlled by state authorities.

If we look at the effects of myGAP certification at the individual farm level, we can assume that it will have proper climate control, higher performance as well as capacity when excelled in the field day by day. With an assumed lower level of FCR, lower fatalities will be seen.

One of the critical points is the promotion of an automated way of agricultural practices in myGAP certified farms. Hence the need for manpower will be reduced and the same work will be completed in a shorter time.

In terms of management, myGAP certification will ensure the establishment, persistence, and control of necessary biosecurity, drug and chemicals management, and traceability. Recordings and documentation also have to meet a standard to get the certification, in this way, the farm becomes more professional and takes its control consciously.

The farms boost their animal health, undergo less tension, obtain higher carcass yield, ensure the wellbeing of workers and lower risk of disease outbreaks and eventually have healthier working environments with much less pollution after sustaining manure treatment and water treatment before discharge.

Why it is not that easy for everyone?

Legislative limits

• Different state and local government strategies and laws, such as:
• Conversion of Land Title (ubabsyarat)
• Application of deep well water
• Foreign labor policy setting (e.g renewal permit and skilled worker retention)

Economic shortcomings

• Inadequate practitioners (e.g. veterinarian)
• Lack of information and education for farming
• In Malaysia, no organization explores local poultry production and potential invention that incorporates the local climate
• Complicated procedures for medicines
• Limited information to apply medicine & drugs
• Public and private schools are not offered any appropriate education for farming or breeding animals.

Limitations regarding market conditions and consumer demand

• No market for established crops to mitigate risk from agriculture
• In order to stabilize market demand/supply and industry risk transition, contracts and futures trading opportunities should be promoted.

To know more information about myGAP certification, you might want to check out this website.