The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DARFO2) has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of laboratory excellence. The Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD) has received accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, for its aflatoxin testing services.

This accreditation is a testament to the laboratory’s commitment to quality and competence in testing agricultural commodities for contaminants like aflatoxins. Ensuring Food Safety and Quality Aflatoxins are toxic substances produced by certain molds that can contaminate agricultural products, particularly corn. High levels of aflatoxins can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

The ILD’s accreditation for aflatoxin testing ensures that corn producers in Region 2 can have their products accurately assessed for contaminants, thereby enhancing the reliability of test results and improving the acceptance of corn products in the market.

The accreditation has significant implications for the region’s agricultural competitiveness. By ensuring the quality and safety of corn products, the ILD’s testing services can help increase the region’s agricultural exports and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. The laboratory’s commitment to quality and competence has earned recognition from the Department of Agriculture, with 11 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) recognized as Corn Aflatoxin Compliant FCAs in 2024.

The ILD’s data shows a notable decrease in the percentage of samples reaching high aflatoxin levels from 45% in 2021 to 33.73% in 2022-2024. This reduction is attributed to the interventions implemented by DA RFO2, which aim to promote good agricultural practices and reduce aflatoxin contamination in corn products.

following FCAs were recognized for their efforts in producing quality corn products fit for human and animal consumption: 1. Amianan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative 2. San Mariano Diversified Agricultural Cooperative 3. Buenavista Multi-purpose Cooperative 4. Sto. Domingo (Baggao) Multi-Purpose Cooperative 5. Centro Norte (Sto Nino) Farm Association Cooperative 6. Blue Circle Grains Trading Agriculture Cooperative 7. Asosasyon Ng Mga Ama Sa Siyudad Ng Ilagan (AMA) 8. Sto. Domingo West (Bambang) Corn, Rice & Vegetable Farmer Association 9. Villa Luna Multi-Purpose Cooperative 10. Holy Trinity Agri Forestry Multi-Purpose Cooperative 11. Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO)

The ILD’s accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 is a significant achievement that demonstrates its commitment to quality and competence in aflatoxin testing. By ensuring the safety and quality of corn products, the laboratory is contributing to the region’s agricultural competitiveness and supporting local economies.

The recognition of FCAs as Corn Aflatoxin Compliant FCAs is a testament to their efforts in promoting good agricultural practices and reducing aflatoxin contamination. – #

By Dr. Ferdinand N Cortez