BACOLOR, Pampanga (PIA) -- About 50 plant nursery operators in Central Luzon attended an information caravan organized by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) National Seed Quality Control Services.
 
It aims to educate plant nursery operators on the importance, processes, and requirements of accreditation and certification programs to produce quality planting materials.
 
In his message, Department of Agriculture OIC-Regional Executive Director Eduardo Lapuz Jr. emphasized that accreditation is an important step in achieving the country's food security.
 
BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, on the other hand, urged plant operators to help close the gap between food demand and agricultural productivity that is a threat to the food sector.
 
The activity featured discussions on the importance and processes of accreditation of plant nurseries, pest management for cacao, and Philippine Good Agricultural Practices certification.
 
Also, plant quarantine, certification process of planting materials, and nursery establishment and management. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)