Answer for Oral Question PL102

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG MOHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH @ LIM SWEE ANN asked the MINISTER OF PRIMARY RESOURCES AND TOURISM to state how the Ministry defines high-quality agricultural produce and how compliance with standards at the production level is implemented and enforced.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan

The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism defines high-quality agricultural produce as products that meet food safety and physical quality standards, as well as comply with the prescribed production regulations and standards. Such products are not only of good quality in terms of appearance, taste and freshness, but are also safe for consumption and produced through good and controlled production practices.

To ensure that local agricultural produce meets these standards, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood implements a structured approach encompassing certification, monitoring and enforcement of compliance at the production level.

1. Implementation of certification and recognition schemes

The Department has introduced certification schemes such as Brunei Good Agricultural Practices (BGAP) and Brunei Pesticide Free (BPF), which aim to ensure that crop production is carried out in accordance with good agricultural practices and that the use of agricultural inputs is controlled. These certifications are also supported by compliance audits conducted periodically before and after recognition is granted.

2. Regular monitoring and inspections at the farm level

Monitoring is carried out through inspection visits to farms and packing houses, in addition to the sampling of produce for pesticide residue analysis and laboratory testing. Reviews of records on the use of inputs such as pesticides, fertilisers and biological control agents are also conducted to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards.

3. Capacity building and technical guidance for operators

In addition to enforcement, the Ministry also places emphasis on educating and building the capacity of operators through training, briefings and technical advisory services. Guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are also provided to assist operators in implementing safe and high-quality production practices.

In addition, for processed agrifood products, the Ministry also facilitates operators in obtaining food safety certifications such as GMP and HACCP, as well as conducting product sampling for microbiological and chemical analysis to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.

Through an integrated approach encompassing certification, monitoring, laboratory analysis and capacity building for operators, the Ministry strives to ensure that local agricultural produce not only meets food safety standards, but is also competitive in the domestic and export markets.