Information on voluntary Certification - Foodcert India

41adopt Good agricultural practices, are operated in a sustainable andenvironmentally friendly way, and yield quality products that are safe forconsumption.Three major aspects are evaluated under SALM, namely:Environmental setting of farmsVerification of farm practicesSafety of farm productsWhat are the main requirements?Under these three aspects 21 elements are evaluated, of which 17 typesof records must be maintained. <strong>Information</strong> available from SALM-certifiedfarms include land use, soil type, source and quality of irrigation water,soil preparation including soil fumigation, fertilizer programmes, harvestingtechniques and field transport, post-harvest treatment and packaging, andfarm waste disposal.How to get certified?The farmer must first register with the Department of Agriculture andundergo a farm visit by a team of auditors, whose report is subject toapproval by the Secretariat. A second farm visit results in the preparationof a technical report for the Farm Accreditation Committee. Onacceptance, the farm is provided with a GAP certificate and approval toaffix the SALM logo. Farms then undergo verification of farm practices andsequential residue analyses of farm produce and water.Main opportunities and constraintsSALM-registered farms are reported to get priority in the local marketbecause they qualify as preferred suppliers and offer a degree of