In order to promote the dissemination and application of Bio Pasifika certification, Bio Caledonia offers training open to both producers and consumers. The objective is to better inform the various stakeholders about the labeling process, which remains complex and demanding. Indeed, this certification imposes practices that comply with specific standards, thus guaranteeing production that respects the environment and public health.
For Yohan Boewa, farmer in Houaïlou speaking to Caledonia, training in these standards is a necessity. “I felt this need to increase my skills, therefore to know a little more about the organic farming standard, and at the same time we move from the status of producer concerned and inspected, to that of inspector”he explains.
This dual competence allows producers not only to comply with standards, but also to actively participate in internal controls.
Theoretical and practical training sessions
The class of trainees in Houaïlou went to the plots of the Doneva agricultural high school for practical exercises. These sessions allow participants to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in the field, thus promoting better appropriation of NOAB standards.
The director of Bio Caledonia, Alizée Bonnet, underlines the importance of training volunteers within the agricultural sectors themselves. “We need volunteer members who, on the ground, know our organic standard, can support, verify that the producer is in compliance with the standard, help them improve.”
These volunteers play a key role in supporting producers in their certification processes and in ensuring consistent organic quality in the region.
More than 170 producers already certified
To date, 170 producers have successfully completed all stages of certification and are labeled organic in New Caledonia.
By developing these training courses, Bio Caledonia wants to actively contribute to the dissemination of organic practices, to the strengthening of the sector, and to raising awareness among a growing number of consumers of the challenges of organic farming in New Caledonia.
Damien CHAILLOT
