Good agricultural practices in Australia and Southeast Asia

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) in the horticultural industry has become well established in Australia; on-farm hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP)-based plans have been adopted due to pressures from supermarkets and other buyers, including fresh markets. Supermarkets' own systems and more general QA systems have been used by growers to meet these new requirements. Two QA systems, Freshcare and Safe Quality Food, have been introduced across the country with moderate success. A review of quality assurance parameters such as chemical residues and microbiological contaminants suggest that these QA systems have achieved some level of assurance. Local pressures, however, are not the only concern when it comes to QA. International demand for safe quality fruit and vegetables has meant that QA systems now need to be designed to satisfy export requirements. In addition to food safety, international demands must also address the environment and workers' health and safety. Many Southeast Asian governments have taken the initiative and developed country-specific QA systems to satisfy export markets and that are suitable for their farmers to use. Countries with schemes in place include Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, with other countries, such as the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, in the process of introducing schemes. This presentation will discuss the status of QA systems in Australia and Southeast Asia, including the pressures behind their establishment, and the major differences between them. The presentation will also focus on the attempt by Southeast Asian governments to address a uniform standard through the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) good agricultural practice (GAP), a GAP standard suitable for use by all 10 ASEAN member countries.