Proceedings of the Asia regional workshop on the

educed to around 5 percent, which is <strong>the</strong> target set by AVA. Commodities under this programme
were closely monitored for pesticide violations and satisfactory results had been maintained over <strong>the</strong>
years. If a commodity is found to fail <strong>the</strong> pesticide residue analysis, <strong>the</strong> importer <strong>of</strong> this failed
consignment would be notified and he will convey <strong>the</strong> message <strong>the</strong> farmers. Regular feedback will
also be provided to authorities concerned in <strong>the</strong> producing countries so as to monitor <strong>the</strong> farms and
improve <strong>the</strong> situation.
Besides all <strong>the</strong> punitive actions, AVA does have incentive scheme for importers who achieve
satisfactory laboratory results for <strong>the</strong>ir vegetables consignment under EEP. Importers will qualify for
this scheme if <strong>the</strong>y have 10 consecutive consignments <strong>of</strong> a specific vegetable passing <strong>the</strong> pesticide
residue analysis, after which <strong>the</strong> subsequent consignment <strong>of</strong> that specific vegetable will be inspected
without detention. Thus, <strong>the</strong>y can sell <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong>ir vegetables faster and obtain higher prices. However,
once <strong>the</strong> consignment fails, inspection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> next consignment will revert back to inspection with
detention.
Monitoring <strong>of</strong> pesticide violations in locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables
In accordance with <strong>the</strong> Control <strong>of</strong> Plants Act, AVA also imposed stringent control on <strong>the</strong>
usage <strong>of</strong> pesticides in <strong>the</strong> local fruits, vegetables and ornamentals farms. All pesticides used in <strong>the</strong>
cultivation <strong>of</strong> any crops for commercial sale in <strong>the</strong> farm need to be registered by AVA. Moreover, <strong>the</strong>
application <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pesticides must be done or supervised by a pesticide operator who is certified by
AVA. AVA also conducts regulars checks and inspections on <strong>the</strong> farms to check for any
non-compliances with regards to whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> pesticides application was carried out/supervised by
certified operator, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> pesticides are stored in accordance with <strong>the</strong> regulations in <strong>the</strong> Control
<strong>of</strong> Plants Act, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> empty containers & packages <strong>of</strong> pesticide were properly disposed <strong>of</strong>f in
accordance with <strong>the</strong> regulations in <strong>the</strong> Control <strong>of</strong> Plants Act and also, whe<strong>the</strong>r pesticides are used
properly and correctly in <strong>the</strong> farms. Samples <strong>of</strong> vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants produced in
<strong>the</strong> farms will also be taken for laboratory analysis to check for any residues <strong>of</strong> unregistered
pesticides or residues <strong>of</strong> registered pesticides above <strong>the</strong> permitted levels. For any non-compliances
found during inspection, enforcement actions will be taken against <strong>the</strong> licensee or <strong>the</strong> pesticide
operators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farm.
AVA is now in <strong>the</strong> preparations <strong>of</strong> a pesticides safety course for our pesticide operators to
help to enhance <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge on <strong>the</strong> applications and safety <strong>of</strong> pesticides used in <strong>the</strong>ir farms. The
course will be held once a year for all pesticide operators whose license will expire in <strong>the</strong> following
year.
Conclusion
AVA imposed stringent checks on imported and locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables
to ensure that <strong>the</strong>y are safe and wholesome for consumption. Through regular feedback with <strong>the</strong>
importers and <strong>the</strong> authorities from <strong>the</strong> exporting countries, a better networking system is established
so as to facilitate discussion and working out <strong>of</strong> suitable plans to overcome any problem that might
arise and also to better improve <strong>the</strong> pesticide violation situations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> imported fresh fruits and
vegetables into Singapore.
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