REPORT OF THE SEVENTH MEETING OF THE ASEAN COCOA CLUB

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

(ACC TWGGAP)

24 April 2018
The Hotel
The Hotel Continental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

INTRODUCTION

1. The 7th meeting of the ASEAN Cocoa Club Technical Working Group on Good Agricultural
Practices (ACC TWGGAP) was held at the Hotel Continental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
onApril 24, 2018. Dr. Divina Amalin of the Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines and De La Salle
University Manila was designated as the chairperson and Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa, Head of Training
and Education Division, National Agriculture Extension Center Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Viet Nam was appointed unanimously to be the Vice-Chairperson by all delegates
of ACC TWGGAP (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

2. The 7th ACC TWGGAP meeting was attended by 12 delegates(Annex 1). All the participants
introduced themselves to the body. There were 1 representative from Indonesia, 2 from Malaysia, 1
from Myanmar, 3 from the Philippines, 1 from Thailand, and 4 from Viet Nam. Two observers
from Indonesia were also present.

AGENDA ITEM 1: OPENING CEREMONY

3. The joint opening ceremony was held at the Viet Nam Meeting room Ground Floor of the Hotel
Continental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. The welcome remark was delivered by Dr.
Nguyen Viet Khoa of the Vietnam Coco Committee and Head of Training and Education Division
National Agriculture Extension CenterMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam. Dr.
Khoa officially welcomed all the delegates of the 7th ACC TWGGAP and 10th ACC TWGFS.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 1 of 42
AGENDA ITEM 2: APPOINTMENT OF THE VICE CHAIRPERSON

4. Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa of the Vietnam Coco Committee was unanimously appointed as the Vice-
Chairperson

AGENDA ITEM 3: ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

5. The Chairperson, Dr. Amalin, presented the meeting agenda, which was approved without
modification by State Members. Meeting programme is shown in Annex 2.

AGENDA ITEM 4: REVIEW OF THE 6th ACC TWGGAP MEETING SUMMARY

6. Dr. Amalin summarized the highlights of the 6thACC TWGGAP meeting which was held on May
17, 2017 at the De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines

7. Dr. Amalin mentioned that during the 6th ACC TWGGAP meeting, the final draft of the ASEAN
GAP for cacao was presented to the State |Members for their inputs.Representative from TF
MASHP was present during the meeting and directed the body on how to proceed with the
preparation of documents for the ASEAN GAP for cacao following the style and format of the
ASEAN GAP for vegetables and fruits. Modifications was made based on the comments and
suggestions of the State Members present during the meeting. The final draft was supposed to be
presented during the 20th ACC meeting for approval. However, there was no qourum during the
meeting so all the delegates agreed to wait for the final input of the other State Members not present
in the meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 5: COUNTRY REPORT UPDATE: PRESENTATION OF GAP FOR CACAO

BY THE ASEAN MEMBER STATES (AMS)

8. Dr. Divina Amalin, Chairperson of the 7th ACC TWGGAP and Professor at the De La Salle
University, Manila, Philippines presented the Update on the Sustainable Pest Management
Program for Cacao Production in the Philippines. Dr. Amalin highlighted the accomplishments of
the the projects under the Cacao Pest Management Program: Biologically-Based Approaches. The
following are the highlights of the accomplishments of the different projects: The full presentation
is shown in Annex 3.

Project 1: Extraction and Evaluation of Pheromone and Kairomones as Potential Monitoring and
Managing Tool Against Cacao Insect Pests: Pod Borer And Mirid Bug

 Mass rearing of Cacao Mirid Bug (CMB), Helopeltis bakeri, is completed using sweet
potato bouquet, chayote as food substrates and squash fruit as oviposition substrate. These
reared CMB is being supplied to all projects for the different bioassays.
 Common volatile compounds as potential kairomone for feeding attraction of CMB were
identified. These common compounds are caryophyllene, cis-β-farnesene and δ-cadinene.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 2 of 42
 Preliminary assessment of the biological activity showed attraction of CMB on the
cocktails of these volatile compounds.
 Installation of Cacao Pod Borer (CPB) sex pheromone lure at two sites in Southern
Mindanao was conducted in partnership with University of Southern Mindanao (South
Cotabato) and Bureau of Plant Industry (Davao). Differrent trap heights effect on CPB
catches is being assessed in the two sites and so far significantly more trap catches was
observed in the CPB sex pheromone set-up 1.0 meter above the canopy as compared to 0.5
meter above the canopy, 0.0 meter above canopy, 0.5 meter below the canopy, and control
set-up with no CPB lure. This experiment will run for 12 months and will have a follow-
up experiment to determine the optimum number traps to be installed in 1 hectare cacao
farm.
 Sex Pheromone of H. bakeri was already identified and being bioassayed in the laboratory
using olfactometer.

Project 2: Exploration, Identification, Mass Rearing, and Field Release of the Biological Control
Agents Against Cacao Pod Borer and Cacao Mirid Bug

 Correct identification of cacao mirid bug (CMB) was done, Helopeltis bakeri
 Developed mass rearing of CMB to study the biology of H. bakeri
 Identified biological control agents associated with CMB and CPB
CMB – erythmelus possibly new sp. (Egg parasitoid)
- Oxyopes javanus ( spider predator)
CPB – paraphylax sp. (Pupal parasitoid)
 Rearing of the spider predator, O. javanus, is on-going using artificial diet. This is to
develop a rearing system to produce enough spider predator for augmentation in the field
against H. bakeri

Project 3: Biological Control And Development Of Nano-biosensor For Fungal Diseases of Cacao:
Vascular Streak Disease (VSD) and Black Pod Rot (BPR)

 37 microbial isolates were antagonistic to black pod rot causing-pathogen

 Isolates code DGA19 and DGA22 were effective in controlling the incidence of BPR on
cacao pod
 Two (2) fungal genera associated with vascular streak disease (VSD) infected plant tissues
of cacao
 Identified that VSD is a disease complex with different causal organism: Ceratocystis spp.
and Lasiodiplodia spp.
 Hands-on training on VSD was conducted

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 3 of 42
  Synthesis of paramagnetic iron oxide particles and its utilization for DNA extraction for
developing nano-biosensory system for VSD and BPR

Project 4: Particle Film Technology as Coating Agent and Carrier Of Mycoparasites for the
Control OfoInsect Pests and Diseases Attacking Cacao Pods

 Choice and No-choice test showed that local clay zeolite showed significant detterent
effect on the feeding of H. bakeri

Mr. Ryann Alimuin, faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Technological Institute of the
Philippines presented on the Electronic Meter to Detect Cacao Pod Maturity for Harvesting. They
have developed a prototype known as cacao aid. The objective is to harvest cacao pods with the
correct maturity and prevent harvesting of immature and overmature pods. The prototype is being
modified under the phase2 project, which aimed to produce a cheaper and more efficient tool for the
cacao farmers. The full presentation is shown in Annex 4.

9. Dr. Troung Hong of Viet Nam Coco Committee reported that CPB and BPR are the two major
production constraints. They use the following control measures: intercropping cacao with cashew,
coconut and some other fruit trees, and the use of chemical control. They observed that both
cashew and cacao are being attacked by CMB. They would like to also employ biologically-based
pest control measures

10. Mr. Haya Ramba presented the Overview Research on the Management of Cocoa Pests and
Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Regions. He presented management from ICCRI Indonesia, MCB
Malaysia, USM Philippines, CCI Papua New Guinea , Agro-Forestry University Viet Nam. He
mentioned that Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam and Philippines are sharing
insect pests and diseases, such as CPB, CMB, VSD, and BPR except Viet Nam with no occurrence
of CPB, and only Indonesia having problem on Anthracnose. He presented the different control
measures being employed by the different countries. The full presentation is shown in Annex 5.

11. Mr. Uthai Noppakoonwong of the Department of Agriculture, Thailand reported that they are just
starting to select for the varieties. Most of cacao growing areas is located in the south.

12. Mr. Thura Soe, Department of Agriculture, Myanmar reported that the government just recently put
priority to cacao production.

13. Ms. Iffah Saaidah, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia presented on the GAP for Indonesia under the
Regulation of Minister of Agriculture #48 2014 Agricultural Practices on Cacao Production. She
mentioned that currently there are 1.7 million hectares planted to cacao mostly in Sulawesi Island.
She also mentioned about the status progress of the implementation of GAP in Indonesia. The full
presentation is shown in Annex 6.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 4 of 42
AGENDA ITEM 6: DISCUSSION ON THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE ASEAN GAP FOR
CACAO

14. Dr. Amalin presented the draft of the ASEAN GAP for cacao to the members for final input of the
members. She mentioned that the draft is in accordance with comments of the TF-MASHF. The
full manuscript of the ASEAN GAP for cacao is shown in Annex 7.

15. Dr. Amalin requested the members present during the meeting to confirm the designated ACC
TWGGAP members for each member states comprised of 2 technical members and 2 non-
technical members. This will facilitate the finalization of ASEAN GAP for cacao.

AGENDA ITEM 7: OTHER ACTIVITIES

16. Dr. Amalin mentioned that after the final endorsement and approval of the ASEAN Cacao GAP,
joint activity on the implementation of the GAP for cacao should be done.

AGENDA ITEM 8: ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

17. The report of the 7th ACC TWGGAP meeting was unanimously adopted during the meeting held
on 24 April 2018 at the Hotel Continental Saigon, Ho Cho Minh City.

AGENDA ITEM 9: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

18. The Chairperson of the ACC TWGGAP acknowledged the active participation of the members and
country representatives in finalizing the ASEAN GAP for cacao to be submitted to the 21st ACC
Meeting for approval.

19. The Chairperson expressed her gratitude to the government of Viet Nam particularly the Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development for hosting the 7th ACC TWGGAP Meeting and providing
excellent arrangements.

20. The Vice-Chairperson delivered the closing remarks. She was thankful for the excellent
interaction among the State Members.

21. The meeting was held in traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity (Figure 3).

Ho Chi Minh City

24th April 2018

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 5 of 42
Figure 1. The Chairperson, Dr. Divina M. Amalin from the Philippines and the elected Vice-
Chairperson, Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa from Viet Nam.

Figure 2. Exchange of token from the Philippines given by Dr. Divina M Amalin to Viet Nam– host
country representative, Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 6 of 42
Figure 3. The members of the ACC TWG GAP during the 7th Meeting of the ACC TWGGAP, Hotel
Continetal Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 7 of 42
 ANNEX 1
List of Delegates

The 7th Meeting of the ASEAN COCOA CLUB Technical Working Group on Good Agricultural Practices (ACC TWGGAP)
April 24, 2018

The Hotel Continental Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

No. Country Name Government ACC TWGGAP Email address
Agency/Company/Association Member/Country
Representative
1. Indonesia Iffah Sa’aidah Ministry of Trade Member Iffah.saaidah@gmail.com
2. Malaysia Mr. Haya Ramba Malaysian Cocoa Board Member hayaramba@koko.gov.my
3. Malaysia Mr. Muhamad Samsi Ministry of Plantation , Industries Member
Kamarudin and Commodities
4. Myanmar Mr. Thura Soe Department of Agriculture Member Thurasoe.mm@gmail.com
5. Philippines Dr. Divina M. Consultant, Cocoa Foundation of Chairperson dmamalin@gmail.com
Amalin the Philippines
Professor, De La Salle University,
Manila
6. Philippines Ms. Jesusahan De |La |Salle University-Manila Representative Jesusahan.marzan@dlsu.edu.ph
Marzan
7. Philippines Mr. Ryann Alimuin Technological Institute of the Ryann.alimuin@gmail.com
Philippines Representative
8. Thailand Mr. Uthai Department of Agriculture Member Uthai.n@doa.in.th
Noppakoonwong
9. Vietnam Dr. Troung Hong Vietnam Coco Committee Member
10. Vietnam Dr. Pham Ang Vietnam Coco Committee Member
Cuong
11. Vietnam Dr. Nguyen Viet Vietnam Coco Committee Member nvietkhoa1963@yahoo.com
Khoa
12. Vietnam Dr. HaVan Bien Vietnam Coco Committe Member Hubien1961@gmail.com

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 8 of 42
 ANNEX 2

7th ANNUAL MEETING

TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP – GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (TWG-GAP) FOR CACAO

24 April 2018
Venue: Hotel Continental Saigon, 132 - 134 Dong Khoi St., Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

TUESDAY, 24th April 2018

0830 – 0900 H : Registration

0930 – 1030 H : Joint Opening Ceremony for the TWGGAP and TWGFS

TWGGAP Program Proper

1030 – 1100 H : COCOA BREAK (GROUP PHOTO SESSION)

1100 – 1110 H : Review of the 6th ACC TWGGAP meeting summary

1110-1200 H : Country Update: Presentation of GAP for Cacao by member countries

1200 – 1300 H : Lunch Break

1300 – 1500 H : Continuation of Country Update: Presentation of GAP for Cacao by member
countries
: Discussion on the Draft of ASEAN GAP for Cacao submitted to TF-MASHP
TWG-GAP, Chairman

: Open Forum – Review and Comments

1500 – 1530 H : Cocoa Break

1530 – 1730 H : Preparation of Report

1730 – 1930 H : Adoption of report

-Meeting Adjourn-

Secretariat: Ms. Jesusahan Marzan, De La Salle University

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 9 of 42
 ANNEX 3

Full Presentation of Country Report – Philippines

By Dr. Divina Amalin

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 10 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 11 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 12 of 42
 ANNEX 4
Full Presentation of Country Report - Philippines
By Mr. Ryan Alimulin

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 13 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 14 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 15 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 16 of 42
 ANNEX 5
Full Presentation of Country Report –Malaysia
By Mr. Haya Ramba

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 17 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 18 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 19 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 20 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 21 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 22 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 23 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 24 of 42
The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 25 of 42
 ANNEX 6
Full Presentation Country Report- Indonesia
By Ms. Iffah Sa'aidah

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 26 of 42
 ANNEX 7

ASEAN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR COCOA PRODUCTION

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 27 of 42
 ASEAN
GAP

Good Agricultural Practices for the

production of good quality cacao beans
in the ASEAN Region

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 28 of 42
 Contents

Foreword ……………………………………………………………………………… 1

Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………… 2

1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………… 3

1.1 Scope
1.2 Use
1.3 References

2. Good Agricultural Practices for Cacao Production ------------------

Appendix 1: Integration of module--------------------------------------------------

Appendix 2: Glossary-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 29 of 42
 Foreword

Worldwide implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) has been given an utmost importance due
to high expectations in terms of food safety, environmental health and social sustainability requirements in
international trading. Efforts in its implementation are being done through the different GAP Programs, such
as: FAO GAP, EUREP/Global GAP, USDA GAP, Australian GAP, Japan GAP, and ASEAN GAP. All the
GAP Programs address the environmental, economic, and social sustainability encompassing all on-farm
activities resulting to lower production costs but following sustainable farming practices. Joint commitment
to economic, social and environmental sustainability is required from everyone involved in the value chain.
Codes of conduct and standards are excellent examples of this sort of cooperation.
The ASEAN GAP for Cacao, will contribute to sustainable agriculture in general. This may serve as a
reference tool for farmers in deciding at each step in the production process, on practices and/or outcomes
that are environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable. Development of standards for cacao
production should be a common understanding of sustainability evolved among producers, the Industry
sector and civil society in both producer and consumer countries. This brings about economic, social and
environmental improvements in production and processing that ultimately benefit everyone involved
particularly the cacao smallholder farmers. These farmers will be guided in sustainable farming to produce
high quality products that commands high price to generate more income, healthy environment surrounding
them; thus, a better living condition for them and their families.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 30 of 42
 Acknowledgement

This publication has been prepared by the members of the ASEAN Cocoa Club Technical Working Group
on Good Agricultural Practices (ACC TWGGAP). The members of the working group are as follows:
Indonesia
Technical member:
Mr. Hendratmojo Bagus Hudoro (Directorate of Perennial and Beverage Crops, Ministry of
Agriculture)
Mr. Agung Wahyu Susilo (Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute).
Non-Technical member :
Ms. Ari Agung Prihatin (Directorate of Processing and Marketing Estate Crops, Ministry of
Agriculture)
Mr. Soetanto Abdoellah (Indonesian Cocoa Board)

Malaysia
Technical member:
Mr. Haya Ramba, Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB)
Dr. Rozita Osman, Malyasian Cocoa Board (MCB)
Non-Technical member:
Mr. Mohamad Samsi Kamarudin, Ministry of Plantation, Industries, and Commodities (MPIC)
Mr. Arip Yahil, Ministry of Plantation, Industries, and Commodities (MPIC)

Myanmar
Technical member:
Mr. Thura Soe, Department of Agriculture
Dr. Wanna, Department of Agriculture
Non-Technical member
Mr. Bo Taik, Department of Agriculture

Philippines
Technical member:
Dr. Divina M. Amalin, De La Salle University and Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines
Dr. Dionisio Alvindia, Department of Agriculture-PhilMech
Non-Technical member:
Ms. Gregoria Santos, Department of Agriculture, AMAS
Mr. Edward David, Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines (CocoaPhil)

Thailand
Technical member:
Mr. Uthai Noppakoonwong, Department of Agriculture
Non-Technical member:
Mr. Krirkchai Dhanaraks, Department of Agriculture

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 31 of 42
Viet Nam
Technical member:
Dr. Troung Hong, Viet Nam Coco Committee
Non-Technical member:
Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoa, Vietnam Coco Committe

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 32 of 42
 References

Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines. 2008. Defects of Cacao Beans due to Improper Pod Breaking,
Improper Fermentation and Improper Drying and Quality Defects of Cacao Beans.

Codex Alimentarius Commission. Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP
53-2003).

Codex Alimentarius Commission. Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport of Food in Bulk and Semi-
Packed Food (CAC/RCP 47-2001).

Codex Alimentarius Commission. Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52-2003).

Codex Alimentarius Commission. Recommended International Code of General Principles of Food Hygiene
(CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4 2003).

Consultative Board on the World Cocoa Economy. Manual of Best Known Practices in Cocoa Production
(CB/16/2). Document reviewed by the Consultative Board at its 16th meeting in Berlin last 26 May
2008.

Espino R.R.C. and J.V. Ramos (editors).2008. Cacao Technology Resource Manual. Quezon City,
Philippines: Department of Agriculture (DA, DA Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) High Value
Commercial Crops (HVCC) Program and Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (CocoaPhil).

International Cocoa Organization. Accessed from: http://thechocolatereview.com/ where-does-chocolate-

come-from-/where-does-chocolate-come-from.html.

Malaysian Standard 2016. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) – Crop Commodities (Second Version
1784:2016)

Malaysian Standard. 2017. Cocoa Beans – Specification. MS 2672:2017)

Malaysian Standard. 2017. Planting Materials - Specification. MS 2681:2017

Philippine National Standard for Cacao or Cocoa Beans (PNS/BAFPS 58:2008). Philippine National
Standard Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Fruit and Vegetable (GAP-FV)Farming
(PNS/BAFPS 49:2007 ICS 65.020.20).

UTZ Certified.2008. Code of Conduct for Cocoa (Draft for Public Revision).

Viet Nam GAP Standard for Fruits and Vegetables N0739/QA-BNN-KWCA

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 33 of 42
INTRODUCTION

“The ASEAN GAP for Cacao Production was developed in accordance with the Good Agricultural
Practices for the production of fresh fruit and vegetables in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN GAP). As
provided in the standard, ASEAN Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) is a ‘regional standard to
prevent the risks associated with the production, harvesting and post-harvest handling of fresh fruit
and vegetables and to facilitate their trade within and beyond the region.’ It sets the stand and
practice of on-farm production activities as well as that of local industries where the produce are
processed and packed for sale.” (ASEAN GAP, 2006)

Implementation of GAP in cacao production will ensure the highest standards for safety and quality
of cacao beans for utilization and trade. The implementation of GAP will ensure the following
underlying principles:
1. Food safety
2. Environmental management
3. Worker health, safety and welfare; and
4. Produce quality

On another note, we emphasize the importance of coherence of the ASEAN GAP for Cocoa
production with the four (4) modules of the ASEAN GAP, namely (i) food safety; (ii) environmental
management; (iii) worker health, safety and welfare; and (iv) produce quality. The 4 areas covered
under the ASEAN GAP provide minimum requirements during the production and conformity
assessment once the products are traded among the AMS.

1.1 Scope

This publication aims to provide general guidelines and technical advice on good agricultural
practices for the production of good quality beans. The principles and practices in this GAP
standards is expected to achieve the goal of ensuring that cacao produced from the different
ASEAN Member States (AMS) is of good quality, safe and suitable for human consumption.

This standard covers general good agricultural practices (GAP) primarily for production, post-
harvest operations, storage and transport or shipment of fermented cacao beans. Emphasis is
made on the prevention of contamination from chemical hazards, environmental, and physical
hazards as they relate to GAP. This standard does not provide recommendations on food
safety practices for the processing, storage, transport and handling practices of chocolate at
wholesale, retail and food service or in the home.

1.2 Use
This code follows the format of the ASEAN GAP for Vegetables and Fruits. Alignment of the
standards from the different national standards for GAP of the different AMS was taken into
consideration.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 34 of 42
 GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR CACAO PRODUCTION

1. SITE HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT FOR NEW ESTABLISHMENT

1.1 Previous and present usage of the production area and the adjoining sites or history of
prior land use
1.2 Planting on deforested area should not be allowed and follow government regulation
1.3 Access of farm and wild animals to the site and to water sources used in primary
production
1.4 Potential for contaminating cacao areas from leaking, leaching or overflowing of
polluted surface waters
1.5 Environmental impact assessment, if available.
1.6 Remedial action should be taken if significant risk is identified and actions taken should
be monitored and noted
1.7 Site used for production should comply with country regulations, such as zoning of
crops
1.8 Farm planning and layout should be done
1.9 Cacao farms may be established as an intercrop to existing coconut farms, in
existing agro-forestry systems or logged over forest areas.
1.10 If the cacao farm is to be established in open land areas, planting of permanent and
temporary shade trees should be established a year before new cacao trees are
planted. The shade trees should be well arranged to shelter the young plants.”

Rationale: Based on the Code of Practice Philippine Cacao Beans (PNS/BAFPS 104:2011
ICS 67.020) Potential sources of contamination from the environment should be identified.
Primary production should not be carried out when there are potentially harmful substances
that may contaminate cacao during harvest. As far as possible, domestic and wild animals
should be kept out of the area by installing fences or confining animals to a designated area for
livestock production as they may also be sources of contamination.

2. PLANTING MATERIALS

2.1 Records of the source of planting materials should be maintained

2.2 Planting materials for intercropping should be the recommended crop and variety
2.3 Planting material should be selected for disease/insect resistance
2.4 Planting materials should be free of insect pests and diseases
2.5 Planting materials should be the recommended variety by government

3. SOILS AND SUBSTRATES

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 35 of 42
 3.1 Soil should be tested and analysed for the presence of heavy metals before
planting for new establishment. If ever heavy metals will be detected from
harvested beans, soil should be analysed and appropriate remedial action should
be done
3.2 Cultivation practices that lead to soil degradation should be avoided. The farmers
should use techniques to prevent soil erosion. During the first five years after
(re)planting, the farmer can prevent erosion through leaving - or planting - shade
trees during land preparation and by planting other plants (food crops, fruit trees,
cover crops, etc.). If cacao is planted on slopes over 8%, the producer can use
techniques to prevent erosion.
3.3 Cultivation practices that improve soil structure and fertility should be done. The
farmer should use natural techniques to maintain and optimize soil fertility and
structure. Disease-free organic waste, such as pruned branches and leaf litter, are
left in the field or used for composting.

4. FERTILIZER AND SOIL ADDITIVES

4.1 Fertilizer and soil additives must be registered and recommended to minimize the
risk of contamination. Raw manure or human waste must not be used for
cultivation.
4.2 Fertilizer and soil additives should be recorded. Records, including origin and
composition of organic fertilizers, date, frequency, and location of application,
should be kept. Analysis for heavy metals should likewise be conducted.
4.3 Farmers should practice effective use of farm wastes, particularly pod husks, by
shredding them as base material in making compost or organic fertilizer. Farm
wastes may include diseased pods or parts of the plants in the cacao farm.
However, it is critical to make sure that these wastes are properly composted
whereby organisms or pathogens are destroyed during the composting process.
4.4 Equipment used to apply fertilizers and additives should be maintained and kept in
the proper storage area
4.5 Used and unused fertilizers and soil additives should be stored securely, out of
reach of children, and away from tools and food products
4.6 Farmers and agricultural workers should be trained on proper handling and
application
4.7 Fertilizer application must follow recommended requirements and methods and
should comply with regulations

Rationale: Based on the Recommended International Code of Practice – General Principles of

Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev 3(1997)) at levels that may adversely affect
the safety of cacao. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the safe
use of water and excreta should also be adopted.

5. WATER

5.1 Source of water should be derived from sustainable sources, free from biological
and chemical contamination and be analyzed at least once a year

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 36 of 42
 5.2 Corrective actions should be made to prevent or minimize contamination from
livestock, sewage treatment and human habitation.
5.3 The producer should allow a strip of native vegetation (at least 5 meters wide) or
guard plants to grow along water streams and sources to control erosion, filter out
agrochemicals and protect the wildlife habitat.
5.4 Irrigation should be based on cacao requirements and environmental impact
5.5 Farm workers should be trained on proper irrigation

Rationale: Based on Malaysian Standard GAP on Cocoa (MS 1784: Part 4: 2005,
4.7.3 Quality of Water), the quality of water source is one of the most important
things especially in nursery area, whereas a sustainable source is required to
minimize the contamination. Thus, the source water should be analysed
consistently for microbial, chemical and mineral pollutants.

6. PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

6.1 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system must be in place

6.2 The farmer should perform good cultural control within the cacao farm. Proper
pruning should be practiced in order to reduce pest and disease infestation
(especially for cacao pod borer and black pod);
6.3 Pruning should be carried out regularly and through the use of appropriate tools;
6.4 Maintenance of good sanitation practices on the farm is important. Diseased or
infested pods, branches and other plant material should be regularly removed from
the trees, and properly disposed of in a way that prevents contamination. Tools
used should be dedicated for this purpose only and disinfected before and after
each use.
6.5 In situations where cacao trees are already old and/or less productive, rehabilitation
should be done by either side-grafting or bark-grafting. The scion or budwood
should come from known/registered budwood garden of high productivity and
resistance/tolerance to major pests and diseases.

7. PESTICIDES – SYNTHETIC and BIO-PESTICIDES

7.1 Farm owners and workers must follow recommended application procedures stated
in the product’s label
7.2 Chemicals must be purchased from authorized dealers; based on
recommendations from member state authorities and included in the list of allowed
and regulated chemicals by the government
7.3 Withholding periods for the interval between chemical application and harvest
should be followed
7.4 Unused chemicals should be stored properly until next use or disposal; empty
chemical containers should be kept secured until disposal
7.5 A record of chemicals obtained should be kept, detailing chemical name, supplier of
chemical, date, and quantity obtained, and expiry or manufacture date
7.6 Farm owners and farm workers should be trained to a level appropriate to their area
of responsibility for chemical application

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 37 of 42
 7.7 Crop protection measures should be appropriate for the control of pests and
diseases and be based on recommendations from member state authorities
7.8 Integrated Pest Management systems and non-chemical products should be used
as much as possible to minimize the use of synthetic agrochemicals
7.9 A rotation strategy for chemical application and other crop protection measures
should be used to avoid pest resistance and pest resurgence
7.10 Re-entry requirement should be followed
7.11 Equipment used for chemical application should be properly cleaned and securely
stored
7.12 Medical facilities and first aid measures should be available to treat farm workers
contaminated/intoxicated with chemicals
7.13 Workers handling and applying chemicals and entering newly sprayed sites should
be equipped with protective clothing and equipment
7.14 Protected clothing should be cleaned and stored separately from crop protection
products
7.15 Chemical application in areas of public access should be marked with warning
signs

8. HARVESTING AND HANDLING PROCEDURES

8.1 Harvest health ripe pods at approximately 75% ripeness.

8.2 Unripe pods should not be harvested. Beans of unripe cacao pods contribute to
defects such as ‘slaty’ beans.
8.3 Care should be taken to ensure that the pods are not damaged, wounded or cut
while it is removed from the tree. Damage can lead to fungal infection of the tree
and ochratoxin contamination of the bean.
8.4 Equipment, containers, and materials should be cleaned prior and after use
8.5 Containers for harvesting should be stored properly
8.6 Workers should have proper training
8.7 Method of harvesting shall not cause damage to the bean quality. Pod shall be
carefully cut with durable tools.
8.8 Post-harvest handling during fermentation and bean drying should be included to
avoid operation that might cause contamination to the bean after harvest.

9. WASTE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

9.1 A waste management plan should be followed

9.2 Proper waste disposal should be done in designated locations, follow
recommended segregation, reuse and recycling

10. BIODIVERSITY

10.1 Farming activities should comply with member state regulations, covering
protected plant and animal species to ensure that protected species are not
endangered

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 38 of 42
 10.2 Conservation of biodiversity and wildlife by enhancing the habitats and increase
agricultural biodiversity

Rationale: Based on Malaysian Standard GAP on Cocoa (MS 1784: Part 4: 2005, 4.14.2
Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation), cocoa should always be conscious of the need to
conserve biodiversity and wildlife areas. Action plan is needed to be further discuss by this
Working Group.

11. TRANSPORTATION

11.1 Vehicle for farm implements should be checked for contamination and should be
kept clean at all times
11.2 Vehicle used for handling soil, animal manures, chemical fertilizers and pesticides
shall be appropriately cleaned prior to delivering.

12. RECORD KEEPING

Record forms and documents shall be updated as follows:

12.1 Record showing planting site, date of planting, date of harvesting, quantity of
harvested bean weight and selling places for the benefit of productivity
improvement and traceability.
12.2 Source of planting materials
12.3 Record on sources of acquired production inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers
by indicating the details on dates, quantity, name of the fertilizers.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 39 of 42
 Appendix 1. Integration of Modules

Modules
Contents Food Safety Environmental Worker health, Produce
Management safety, welfare Quality
Site History And Management for
New Establishment
√ √ √ √
Planting Materials
√
Soils and Substrates
√ √ √
Fertilizer and Soil Additives
√ √ √ √
Water
√ √ √ √
Pest and Disease Management
√ √ √
Pesticides – Synthetic and Bio-
Pesticides
√ √ √ √
Harvesting and Handling Procedures
√ √ √
Waste and Energy Efficiency
√ √
Biodiversity
√
Transportation
√ √ √
Record Keeping
√ √ √

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 40 of 42
 Appendix 2. Glossary

Agricultural Biodiversity- broad term that includes all components of biological diversity of relevance to
food and agriculture, and all components of biological diversity that constitute the agricultural ecosystems

Agrochemicals- a chemical used in agriculture, such as a pesticide or a fertilizer.

Agroforestry- land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or
pastureland

Biological Contamination- A general definition of a hazard as related to food safety is conditions or

contaminants that can cause illness or injury. Biological hazards include microorganisms such as bacteria,
viruses, yeasts, molds and parasites. Some of these are pathogens or may produce toxins

Budwood- short lengths of young branches with buds prepared for grafting onto the rootstock of another
plant.

Budwood Garden- is a nursery where sturdy and improved varieties and plant species are tended for their
buds to be used in plant propagation, particularly grafting.

Chemical Contamination- used to indicate situations where chemicals are either present where they
shouldn't be, or are at higher concentrations than they would naturally have occurred.

Composting- natural process of recycling organic material such as leaves and vegetable scraps into a rich
soil amendment

Crop Rotation- the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in
sequenced seasons

Cultural Control- the practice of modifying the growing environment to reduce the prevalence of unwanted
pests.

Environmental Management- use and conservation of natural resources, protection of habitats and
control of hazards

Food safety- refers to handling, preparing and storing food in a way to best reduce the risk of individuals
becoming sick from foodborne illnesses.

Heavy Metals- any relatively dense metal or metalloid that is noted for its potential toxicity, especially in
environmental contexts

Intercropping- practice involving growing two or more crops in proximity.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 41 of 42
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)- a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic
control of pests.

Natural Fertilizer- an organic substance added to soil that contains vital plant nutrients, such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium.

Ochratoxin- toxin produced by different Aspergillus and Penicillium species — is one of the most-abundant
food-contaminating mycotoxins.

Organic Waste- organic material such as food, garden and lawn clippings. It can also include animal and
plant based material and degradable carbon such as paper, cardboard and timber.

Pest- any animal or plant which has a harmful effect on humans, their food or their living conditions. Pests
include animals which: carry disease-causing micro-organisms and parasites,

Pest Resurgence- the rapid reappearance of a pest population in injurious numbers, usually brought about
after the application of a broad-spectrum pesticide has killed the natural enemies which normally keep a
pest in check

Postharvest- he stage of crop production immediately following harvest, including cooling, cleaning,
sorting and packing

Protected Species- a species of animal or plant which it is forbidden by law to harm or destroy.

Pruning- a horticultural and silvicultural practice involving the selective removal of certain parts of a plant,
such as branches, buds, or roots

Pest Resistance- heritable change in the sensitivity of a pest population that is reflected in the repeated
failure of a product to achieve the expected level of control when used according to the label
recommendation for that pest species'.

Sanitation- an important and highly effective farm practice to keep most pests under control.

Shade Trees- any tree grown specifically for its shade. This term usually applies to large trees with
spreading canopies

Soil Fertility- ability of a soil to sustain agricultural plant growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in
sustained and consistent yields of high quality.

Variety - a taxonomic nomenclature rank in botany, below subspecies, but above subvariety and form.

The 21th ACC Meeting, 25-26April 2018, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet NamPage 42 of 42