BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei Pesticide Free (BPF) initiative was established to recognise agricultural producers who adopt crop production practices without the use of synthetic pesticides, Acting Deputy Director of Agriculture Haji Noor Azri Mohd Noor, representing the Director of Agriculture and Agrifood, said.
Representing the Director of Agriculture and Agrifood as the guest of honour, he presented certificates to four local farms yesterday after they fulfilled the requirements under the BPF Certification Scheme by successfully undergoing a comprehensive assessment covering all aspects of production, including cultivation practices, farm management, monitoring systems and post-harvest handling.
He said, "This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the development of the nation's agricultural sector.
"It not only celebrates the recipients of the certificates but also symbolises our collective commitment to producing safer and higher-quality agricultural produce.
"This certification reflects the producers' continuous commitment to ensuring that their agricultural products meet the required safety standards through rigorous assessment and compliance with the prescribed certification criteria."
He said the certification would increase consumers' confidence in food sourced from plantations that are safe and free from synthetic pesticides.
The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood encourages farm operators, especially vegetable growers, to join the BPF programme to further raise agricultural standards in the country.
The BPF certificate presentation took place at Simpur Hall of Agribusiness, Department of Agriculture and Agrifood. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
