– Florida Organic Growers
In partnership with Auburn University, Minister Wilson Laleau of the Haitian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Haitian Bureau of Standards, Quality Certification Services (QCS) Food Safety Program Manager Dr. Mario Velasco hosted a week-long food safety training program Dec. 2 through 6, 2013 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The goal of the training was to stimulate economic activities and create sustainable jobs in the agro industrial sector by installing food processing plants throughout the country for local consumption and export opportunities.
The training included an introductory Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) course, an advanced HACCP course and food safety presentations covering FDA-FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) proposed rules, GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) system and GLOBALG.A.P. scheme and system.
The training is the first step in placing Haiti on track for the lucrative business of food export to the United States and other importing countries clamoring for the variety of tropical food products grown in this Caribbean nation. The training confirms that, for the first time, Haiti has trained certified personnel to ensure the production of safe quality foods which meet international standards. Consequently, this opens the door to the creation of more food processing plants in the country to further export volumes conducive to positive economic activities.
“These newly created food export activities will increase employment, decrease agricultural harvest losses and improve farmer incomes leading to overall country financial health and economic development,” said Eddy-M Daniel, president of AgroIndustries Haiti S.A. “Economic development is necessary for political stability to improve and maintain social stability for a better living environment and human development.”
