Implementation Of Good Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Microbial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance in Fresh Produce and Agro-Ecosystems in South Asia—A Systematic Review

Fresh produce prone to microbial contamination is a potential reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), posing challenges to food safety and public health. This systematic review aims to comprehensively assess the prevalence of bacterial pathogens and the incidence of ARB/ARGs in fresh produce and agro-ecosystems across South Asia. Twenty-two relevant studies published between 2012 and 2022 from three major scientific databases and the grey literature were identified. The results revealed a wide occurrence of microbial contamination in various types of fresh produce across South Asia, with a predominance of E. coli (16/22), Salmonella spp. (13/22), Staphylococcus spp. (5/22), and Klebsiella spp. (4/22). The agro-ecosystem serves as a complex interface for microbial interactions; studies have reported the prevalence of E. coli (1/4), Salmonella spp. (1/4) and Listeria monocytogenes (1/4) in farm environment samples. A concerning prevalence of ARB has been reported, with resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. The presence of ARGs in fresh produce underscores the potential for gene transfer and the emergence of resistant pathogens. To conclude, our review provides insights into the requirements of enhanced surveillance, collaborative efforts, implementation of good agricultural practices, and public awareness for food safety and safeguarding public health in the region.

PENERAPAN GOOD AGRICULTURE PRACTICES (GAP) PADA USAHATANI BUAH NAGA MERAH DI KECAMATAN PESANGGARAN KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI

This research develops and applies the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices to red dragon fruit farming, influencing factors, and recommendations for providing extension materials to increase its implementation. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices must be by Control Points, Standard Operating Procedures, Plant Pest Control, filling out workbooks, and re-registration, which are obligations that farmers must carry out after obtaining a Good Agricultural Practices certificate. In this study, as many as 62 red dragon fruit farmers certified as Good Agriculture Practices were selected as a whole or total sampling. The Likert scale is used to analyze the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Logistic Regression Analysis is used to see the factors that influence the level of implementation of Good Agriculture Practices. Efforts to increase the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices through rankings. The research results show that (1) the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming is sufficient; (2) factors that influence the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices are the variables of farming experience, perception of production quantity, and perception of selling price. (3) recommendations for increasing the implementation of Good Agriculture Practices in red dragon fruit farming in Pesanggaran District can be done by providing material on priority efforts starting from Mandatory Control Points, Very Green Control Points, filling out workbooks, implementing Plant Pest Control, re-registering, Points Control Recommendations, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.

Monitoring of Herbicide Residues in Agricultural Soils in Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia)

Pesticides in soils raise concerns about the biodiversity, food safety, and contamination of watercourses, contributing to unsustainable land management practices. Monitoring the residue levels in agricultural soils is essential, as this offers valuable insights into the current extent of soil contamination and potential environmental risks attributed to their application. This study aimed to address the occurrence of the currently used herbicides in soil under intensive crop production, comparing the results of monitoring at two depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) in 2013 and 2023. The research concerned the main agricultural area in Vojvodina Province (Serbia) and evaluated the presence of 41 herbicides in 128 localities. Pesticides were found in all samples, finding even more than six different herbicides per sample. The significant concentrations of s-metolachlor, etofumesate, clomazone, diflufenican, pendimethalin, and terbuthylazine found can be attributed to application practices, as they are typically applied pre-emergence, either through direct soil treatment with or without incorporation. Moreover, the correlation between different depths, herbicide residues, and soil properties was not significant. The decrease in the herbicide residues found in 2023 compared to the residues found in 2013 can be attributed to the implementation of good agricultural practices, which promote sustainable agricultural strategies through controlled pesticide application.

Inactivation efficacy of four commercial post-process treatments against Listeria monocytogenes and impact on the commercial quality of leafy greens

The problem of product contamination with human pathogenic microorganisms is still unsolved. Although prevention through the implementation of good agricultural practices and good manufacturing practices is the gold standard, product decontamination strategies can be used to complement preventive measures. Different bioprotective treatments have been suggested to reduce the risk of listeriosis in fresh produce, but more information is needed before industrial implementation. This study focused on the efficacy of four commercial treatments against Listeria monocytogenes growth and their effect on the organoleptic quality of baby spinach, cut romaine, cut iceberg, and shredded cabbage. The treatments included SafePro® (CHR Hansen, DK) and Holdbac® (DowDuPont, US), based on the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cultures as well as two different bacteriophage solutions, ListShield (Intralytix, US) and PhageGuard Listex™ (PhageGuard, US). The selected treatments were tested under simulated commercial conditions. The application was performed after processing and before packaging using a fine mist spray. In all the trials, Listex™ showed the best results in reducing L. monocytogenes growth during shelf life in the four leafy greens chosen. Microbial reductions were close to 2 log units. L. monocytogenes reductions were observed 1 day after Listex™ application and the efficacy was maintained during storage (15 days at 7 °C). Organoleptic quality, including flavor, texture, browning/yellowing, decay, and visual appearance of the four leafy greens was not significantly affected by the application of Listex™ when compared to the untreated products. Post-process treatment with Listex™ based on bacteriophages effectively reduced L. monocytogenes and can be recommended as a control tool to reduce the risks for the presence of L. monocytogenes in leafy greens.

Cocoa Producers’ Decision on Fermenting Beans in Jembrana Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia

Cocoa bean has an important role in the agricultural economy of Indonesia for its foreign earnings. Demand for high quality of cocoa beans is increasing fast due to the expansion of global cocoa and chocolate market. Bali Province also plays an important role in Indonesia’s cocoa production and export where the main cocoa plantation lies in Jembrana Regency cultivated by small-scale farmers. Chocolate industry requests for high quality cocoa beans from fermented cocoa for high prices, however farmers are still reluctant to do fermentation. This study aims at analyzing probability of farmer’s decision to ferment cocoa beans at Jembrana Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. Logit regression was utilized where the dependent variable is in binary, which is the change in probability of a cocoa producer choosing to ferment their cocoa beans, given the independent variables included farm size, production and other occupation of farmers. The result from the average marginal effect shows that only production variable is significant to increase the probability of the cocoa farmers to ferment their cocoa beans. Result from the analysis indicates that on average for one kilogram increase in cocoa production per month, the probability of observing increases fermentation by approximately 0.26 percentage point. In other words, higher production volume increases the probability of the cocoa producers to ferment their cocoa beans. It is suggested to multi stakehonders in cocoa industry to further improve production through the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) and extending training for cocoa farmers.

Growing Safer Greens: Exploring Food Safety Practices and Challenges in Indoor, Soilless Production Through Thematic Analysis of Leafy Greens Grower Interviews

Indoor, soilless production—often referred to more broadly as controlled environment agriculture (CEA)—is increasingly used for the cultivation of leafy greens. Minimal information is currently available regarding food safety practices during production and distribution of leafy greens grown within indoor, soilless environments in the United States (U.S.). This study aimed to describe production challenges and implementation of good agricultural practices among CEA growers. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews (N = 25) and a supplemental online survey completed by growers (N = 12) in the U.S. Out of 18 total responses (i.e., multiple responses allowed per completed survey), survey data indicated that lettuce (n = 5; 27.8%) was the most commonly grown leafy green, followed by culinary herbs (n = 3; 16.7%) and arugula (n = 3; 16.7%). Most growers (n = 7; 58.3%) grew other agricultural products, specifically other crops in addition to leafy greens. Revenue from sales ranged from <US$25 000 to >US$500 000 per year. Meanwhile, nearly half (n = 5; 45.5%) of respondents (N = 11) were uncertain whether their produce was subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Most survey respondents used vertical farming techniques (5 out of 11; 45.5%) or some variety of greenhouse (4 out of 11; 36.4%). Based on 35 total responses, leafy greens were most commonly sold to “Commercial Restaurants” (n = 7; 20.0%), “Grocery Stores” (n = 7; 20.0%), “Institutional Foodservice Establishments (hospitals, schools, childcare, long-term care)” (n = 6; 17.1%), and “Wholesaler/Distributers” (n = 6; 17.1%). The 11 interview questions elucidated three major themes: contextual, barriers to risk management and regulatory compliance, and research needs. Thirteen subthemes were identified, and an example of a subtheme within each major theme, respectively, includes worker hygiene and training, regulatory and certification environment, and risk assessments of individual issues.

Knowledge and Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices among Farmers in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Knowledge and Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices among Farmers in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Groundwater management: Effectiveness of mitigation measures in nitrate vulnerable zones – a Portuguese case study

Groundwater vulnerability depends on hydrogeological characteristics, land use dynamics and pollutant sources. In Europe, agriculture is the main source of diffuse groundwater pollution. The over-application of nitrogen (N) soil inputs promotes nitrate leaching to surface and groundwater and associated impacts on human health and biodiversity. Mitigation programs have been implemented across the Europe Union (EU) to reduce N loads to water bodies. The EU Nitrates Directive (1991/676/EEC) aims to reduce water nitrate pollution associated to agriculture. The reduction implies the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices and National Action Programs with mandatory measures for the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ).The Esposende-Vila do Conde is one of the nine Portuguese nitrate vulnerable zones. The application of organic and chemical fertilizers, especially on intensive agricultural farms, without the implementation of good agricultural practices and effluent management, will promote an increase in groundwater nitrate concentration. A total of 1728 groundwater sampling points were collected to determine nitrate contents, from 2007 to 2020. A space-time database including farmer questionnaires, field data and groundwater nitrate contents were prepared.The groundwater points located in artificialized territories and agricultural areas show the highest nitrate concentration. This situation is mainly due to a decrease of surface water recharge, associated to the increase of pollutant sources, as well as inadequate agricultural practices. The areas with considerable agricultural productivity and located away from surface water show an increase in nitrate concentration. The occurrence of total organic N on the soil is not an influence of groundwater nitrate contents and there is a casual relation between groundwater nitrate contents and mineral N. The methodology allows the identification of higher groundwater nitrate content, as well as pressure, state, and response indicators. However, despite the global decrease in nitrate contents, the measures remain insufficient and appropriate mitigation will be required to reduce groundwater contamination.

Do cocoa certification schemes improve producers' performance ? Evidence from Centre Region Cameroon

In agricultural value chains, in particular cocoa, environmental, and social standards are becoming increasingly important in meeting sustainability challenges. The main aim of this article is to examine the role of certification primarily on the yields and incomes of cocoa farmers in the Central Cameroon region. From June to July 2017, a survey of certified and non-certified cocoa producers was conducted in the districts of Ngoumou and Mbangassina. At the end of the survey, a total sample of 114 certified and non-certified producers was obtained. Using the cost-benefit analysis, in this preliminary phase of the certification process, the results show that there is no significant difference in costs between certified and non-certified producers for each of the districts. There is also no price difference between certified and non-certified cocoa and the payment of the certification premium is not systematically distributed. However, the profit analysis shows on average significantly higher yields and profits for certified producers. Nevertheless, this increase in profits would mainly be due to the implementation of good agricultural practices rather than the certification itself. Additionally, the exploration of on farm income shows that cocoa-based households remain on average below the poverty line. One of the long-term challenges for the cocoa sector in Cameroon is to combine the government's objective of increasing production with that of improving quality. To this end, the advantages of the predominantly agroforestry systems present in Cameroon should be exploited to produce a critical mass of quality and sustainable cocoa that would allow a significant increase in producer prices.

Mycoflora and Aflatoxin Producing Fungi from Some Storage Cereal Grains Sold in Darki Market, Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the mycoflora and aflatoxin producing fungi in some storage cereals sold at Darki market, Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State. Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A total of thirty samples (ten samples containing 250g each of maize, millet and wheat) were obtained from storage facilities of traders in different location of Darki, market.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Storage facilities of Darki market, Wudil, Kano State, between May 2021 and July 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Samples were subjected to serial dilution, enumeration of fungal load using pour plate method, inoculation and isolation of fungi using direct plating method, extraction and detection of aflatoxin using thin layer chromatography and molecular analysis using PCR.&#x0D; Result: Total fungal (mold) count on Potato Dextrose Agar recorded the highest count of 6.5103 in wheat sample 4 (WH4) while the least count of 2.2102 was recorded in wheat sample 6 (WH6). The fungal isolates obtained from this study were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp, Mucor spp, and Rhizopus spp. The percentage of occurrence of fungi isolated from the cereal samples was highest in Aspergillus niger (34.43%) and the least (11.48%) was recorded in Mucor spp. Extraction and detection methods revealed a blue fluorescence on the TLC plates indicating the presence of aflatoxin B in the samples. The standard calculated range of Retention factor value was between 0.58 and 0.75. After DNA extraction, the fragment size obtained by PCR reactions with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 showed 600bp for most of the isolates. All the Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus spp showed positivity for the molecular markers ITS1/ITS4 by having positive bands. Only Mucor spp showed negative results for ITS1/ITS4 primers and showed no band.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows that most of the cereals were contaminated with either one or more molds but within the satisfactory and marginal limits. However, aflatoxin contamination is a threatening issue Hence aflatoxins contamination of crops at harvest conditions should be controlled to some extent by the implementation of good agricultural practices and good storage practices.

Designing an integrated model for strawberry growers’ behavior toward implementation of good agricultural practices in Iran

Designing an integrated model for strawberry growers’ behavior toward implementation of good agricultural practices in Iran

Dairy Cattle Farmers' Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices in Gharbia Governorate تنفيذ مربي ماشية اللبن للممارسات الزراعية الجيدة بمحافظة الغربية

This study aimed mainly to identify the level of dairy cattle farmers' implementation of good agricultural practices in Gharbia governorate. Gharbia governorate has been chosen as spatial field for the study, two districts in Gharbia governorate were selected according to the standard of milk production which are Qutour and Zefta. One village was selected randomly from each district according to the same standard which are Ibshaway Al-Malak, and Damanhur Al-Wahsh, respectively. Random samples of 320 dairy cattle keepers were chosen. Research objectives have been specified in a set of null hypotheses to be tested in this study. Data were collected from sample persons by personal interview questionnaire. Collected data were coded and analyzed using the SPSS package. The main findings of the study could be summarized as follows: - 1- There were statistically significant bivariate relationships at the level of 0.01 of significance between academic qualification, dairy cattle ownership, opinion leadership, innovativeness, perception of access of extension services, and knowledge of good agricultural practices in dairy sector and between implementation of good agricultural practices; while there were no statistically significant bivariate relationships between age, and experience in raising and caring of dairy cattle and between implementation of good agricultural practices. 2- The studied independent variables combined, explained about 59.6 % of the variances of the variable of implementation of good agricultural practices.

PENINGKATAN KINERJA, MITIGASI RISIKO DAN ANALISIS KELEMBAGAAN PADA RANTAI PASOK CABAI MERAH DI KABUPATEN GARUT

Supply chain of red chilli has not integrated and involves all actor like farmers, collectors, traders, suppliers and industry. This condition creates instability in the quality of red chilli on the market, supply availability and price fluctuations. The purpose of this research was to study the mechanisms, performance, risk mitigation and institusional analysis of the supply chain using the Van de Vorst method, SCOR-AHP method, House of Risk (HOR) and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM). The location of this study was in Garut District, the highest production of red chili in West Java. The supply chain mechanism was approached through four elements, namely a) supply chain structure, b) chain business processes, c) network management and chain coordination, and d) chain resources used. The supply chain performance system has five levels of hierarchy, namely goals, business processes, criteria, attribute, and performance metrices. Results showed that the supply chain performances of the red chilli at farmers, collector, suppliers, and small medium enterprise (SME) were 74.6%, 76.8 %, 82.5%, 81.9%, respectively. Risk priorities showed there were 10 at the farmer, 9 at the traders, 11 at the supplier, and 10 at the industrial stage. Information on supply chain performance is expected to enable actors in the red chili supply chain to improve coordination, integration between actors, fulfillment of production facilities, proper implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and distribution mechanisms, so that can optimally fullfil the consumer demand and minimize yield loss to improve competitiveness in the red chili industry. Keywords : Supply chain, performance, risk mitigation, institutional analysis

Inactivation by osmotic dehydration and air drying of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, hepatitis A virus and selected surrogates on blueberries

Osmotically dehydrated and air dried berry fruits are used as ingredients for the production of yoghurts, chocolates, cereal bars and mixes, ice creams and cakes and these fruits are often subjected to mild thermal treatments only, posing questions around their microbiological safety. As osmotic dehydration methods and parameters vary considerably within the industry and minimally processed high quality fruits are increasingly sought, the scope of this study was to determine which temperatures are required for the inactivation of relevant bacteria and viruses during osmotic dehydration of berries, using blueberries as a model berry in a thawed state to mimic common industrial practices. Additionally, we studied the inactivation of osmotic dehydration at 23 °C, sometimes referred to “cold infusion” followed by air drying at 100 °C to determine the microbiological safety achieved by this combined treatment. Four pathogens (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and hepatitis A virus (HAV)) and five surrogates (Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli P1, Listeria innocua, murine Norovirus (MNV) and bacteriophage MS2) were inoculated on blueberries and reductions were measured after different treatment combinations. After osmotic dehydration of bacterial strains at 40 °C no survivors were detected on blueberries, with the exception of E. faecium. Inactivation of the viruses at 45 °C showed no survivors for MS2 and mean reductions of 1.5 and 3.4 log10 median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/g for HAV and MNV, respectively. Similarly, in the sugar solution at 40 °C, no survivors were observed, with the exception of E. faecium and the three viruses. The combined process (osmotic dehydration at 23 °C followed by air-drying at 100 °C) achieved an >6 log reduction of all tested bacterial strains and MS2. For HAV and MNV, 2.6 and >3.4 log10 TCID50/g were measured. In summary, the present study shows that osmotic dehydration appears an efficient control measure for the control of L. monocytogenes, S. enterica and E. coli O157:H7 if carried out at 40 °C or at 23 °C and followed by air-drying at 100 °C. Based on the results generated with MNV, the combined treatment is also expected to reduce human Norovirus (NoV) but does not appear to be sufficient to fully control HAV. The results contribute to a better management of the microbial safety of osmotically dehydrated and dried berries and especially the results generated for the viruses emphasize that within a robust food safety management system, safety must be assured through the entire food supply chain and therefore must start at primary production with the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

Rice Productivity Growth During Nine Years in Badung Regency, Bali Province

The trend of rice productivity and its stability in Badung Regency are presented in this study. The area is a tourism-based economy without leaving the role of rice production to feed the people. Time series data were collected from five sub districts covering 53 villages during 2008-2016 due to the completeness of the data. Variability of the data was observed from the coefficient of variance (C.V.) to decide rice productivity stability. This study also observed correlation between rainfall and rice productivity in the area. Result of the study shows that rice productivity trend in Badung Regency tend to decline during nine years of observation especially in 2014-2016. Three sub-districts had stable condition, while two sub-districts in tourism area contributed to the decline of this matter. Analysis using bi-plot revealed that there is no significant correlation between rainfall in sub-district and rice productivity, implying that water is available throughout the year. In terms of stability, majority of villages (69.81%) had stable condition of rice productivity ranging from middle and high category. Other 30.19% villages were categorized as unstable ranging from low to high productivity. This condition showed that Badung Regency were able to maintain stability of rice productivity during nine years of observation. Implication of this study is to pay more attention to two sub districts in tourism area to improve their rice productivity such as implementation of good agricultural practices.

How Risk Attitudes Affect the Implementation of Good Agricultural Practices in Sugarcane Farming

Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture issued Minister of Agriculture Regulations Number 53 in 2015 about Good Agricultural Practices for Sugarcane as an effort to increase production and productivity of sugarcane. The implementation of GAP on various commodities was differ since risk across commodities and risk attitude among farmers are varied. Hence, this study aims to analyze (1) the implementation level of Sugarcane GAP among farmers of the Wonolangan Sugar factory and (2) the influence of risk attitudes toward GAP implementation. The study was conducted on 102 randomly-selected farmers in Lumajang and Probolinggo Regency. The level of GAP implementation is measured by Likert scale with nine indicators of Sugarcane GAP. The level of GAP implementation is categorized into low, medium, and high based on the total score of GAP implementation obtained from each farmer. One-sample t-test is used to test the implementation level of GAP. Risk attitudes are measured with a Likert scale, as refers to Pennings and Garcia method. The influence of risk attitudes towards GAP implementation is analyzed using OLS regression. The result of t-test shows that the level of GAP implementation among sugarcane farmers is medium and high, and most farmers are risk-averse. Of the nine components used as indicators, seed preparation and labor welfare are in the medium category. Based on the OLS regression, risk-taker farmers have a lower GAP implementation than that of risk-averse farmers. Farmers' lack of knowledge about GAP guidelines, can be supported by the presence of socialization activities by sugar factories, extension workers, and related institutions.

Ensuring quality and safety of horticultural products through the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) in Indonesia

Ensuring quality and safety of horticultural products through the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) in Indonesia

KNOWLEDGE OF BASIC PRODUCTION SAFETY STANDARDS AND RULES OF GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICE IN OPINIONS OF AGRICULTURAL OWNERS

The paper discusses the relation between issues related to environment protection and agricultural production carried out according to the adopted cultivation system. Surveys were conducted in 127 farms focused on plant production of which a fragment has been presented showing agricultural producers’ opinions about issues related to the Code of Good Agricultural Practice. One of underlying assumptions was an attempt to identify farmers’ attitudes to and their opinions about the practical application of principles adopted in the Code. The research shows that the application of the principles of good agricultural practice depended on the cultivation system adopted on the farm. Owners of farms managed in the integrated and organic production system fully declared knowledge of the Code itself and the content it contained, which translated into a higher level of their knowledge and implementation of recommendations in practice compared to people running traditional farms. One of major obstacles preventing the implementation of good agricultural practices by farms was the lack of information about the Code and promotion of its importance to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.

Causas de não recebimento do leite cru refrigerado em usina de beneficiamento do Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco

O leite possui constituintes de grande valor nutricional e sua produção e consumo têm crescido a cada ano mundialmente. Associado à sua importância econômica, este produto é constantemente alvo de fraudes e adulterações, as quais trazem como consequência grandes prejuízos à indústria e preocupação aos órgãos de saúde pública. Neste sentido, objetivamos analisar, de forma retrospectiva, as causas que determinaram o não recebimento do leite cru refrigerado em usina de beneficiamento sob Inspeção Federal, da região do Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco, durante o período que compreendem os meses de março a outubro de 2016, com base no arquivo de registros da empresa. Foram identificados 122 casos de não recebimento de leite cru refrigerado. Destes, a principal causa foi a adição de água (34,5%), seguida por acidez acima do limite estabelecido pela empresa, máximo 0,16 g de ácido lático/100 mL de leite (30,3%), e presença de resíduos de antibióticos no leite (26,2%). Desta forma, reforçou-se a importância do controle de qualidade e de identidade do leite realizado pela empresa, para evitar que um leite adulterado seja processado pela indústria e disponibilizado ao consumidor. Reforçou-se, também, a necessidade de aprimoramento da política leiteira, para fins de esclarecer, orientar e incentivar os produtores com relação a implementação das Boas Práticas Agropecuárias de produção do leite, incluindo a necessidade da realização de uma Ordenha Higiênica, do respeito do tempo de carência dos antibióticos utilizados no tratamento dos animais e, principalmente, os prejuízos causados pela adição de substâncias fraudulentas.

Do wealthy farmers implement better agricultural practices? An assessment of implementation of Good Agricultural Practices among different types of independent oil palm smallholders in Riau, Indonesia

Palm oil has become a leading vegetable oil over the past 30 years and smallholder farmers in Indonesia, with more than 12 million hectare the world’s largest producer of palm oil, have massively engaged in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. In Sumatra, where more than 60% of Indonesian palm oil is cultivated, smallholders currently cover roughly 50% of the oil palm area. The rapid expansion of palm oil however did not happen without controversy. In current efforts by the Indonesian government, NGO's and private sector to improve sector performance, smallholders are often characterized as the Achilles heel of the oil palm sector due to poor practices and low yields compared to companies. However, ‘oil palm smallholders’ is a container concept and there has been only limited research into smallholder diversity beyond the organised versus independent farmer dichotomy. This research delves into the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among seven types of independent smallholders in Rokan Hulu regency, Riau province. The research area consisted of a relative established agricultural area on mineral soils and a relative frontier, mostly on peat. Smallholder types ranged from small local farmers to large farmers who usually reside in urban areas far from their plantation and regard oil palm cultivation as an investment opportunity. The underlying hypothesis is that larger farmers have more capital and therefore implement better agricultural practices than small farmers, who are usually more cash constrained. A wide range of methods was applied, including farmer and farm surveys, remote sensing, tissue analysis and photo interpretation by experts. These methods provided data on fertilizer use, nutrient conditions in oil palms, planting material, planting patterns, and other management practices in the plantations. Results show that yields are poor, implementation of GAP are limited and there is much room for improvement among all farmer types. Poor planting materials, square planting patterns, and limited nutrient applications were particularly prevalent. This implies that farmers across different typologies opt for a low-input low-output system for a myriad of reasons and that under current conditions, initiatives such as improving access to finance or availability of good planting material alone are unlikely to significantly improve the productivity and sustainability of the smallholder oil palm sector.