This paper examines whether crop protection policies do promote food safety. In particular, it investigates implementation of these policies at the local level. Roles of the various stakeholders are defined, i.e. the vegetable traders, input dealers, and local government units in influencing farmers’ crop protection practices. Lastly, it is determined whether indeed farmers’ crop protection practices promote production of safe vegetables.
The changing policy environment on pesticides and pest management technologies resulted to safer foods specially those produced in the uplands of Benguet. Data from earlier years showed that pesticide residues present in food are the older organophosphates (OP) and organochlorines (OC). Most of these compounds were taken out of the market.
IPM technologies to substitute/complement for pesticides have promoted safer consumer produce. In the lowland areas of Laguna, the IPM training motivated farmers to observe pre-harvest intervals and encouraged use of safer chemicals such as synthetic pyrethroids. Compliance of regulatory policies by concerned stakeholders was satisfactory.
