THIRTY-NINE coffee and food processors in the province have attended the seminar on good manufacturing practices (GMP) conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Occidental.

The one-day activity held at the Negosyo Center in Bacolod City on Friday is mainly aimed at imparting to the participants the knowledge on how to prepare their products hygienically and avoid contamination.

Engiemar Tupas, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said GMP would ensure that the products are consistently produced based on the quality standards.

Tupas said through good practices on manufacturing local coffee and food processors' operations become hygienic thereby minimizing risks.

"By following GMP guidelines, coffee growers and processors as well as of food become competitive," he said, adding that buyers and consumers prefer to patronize establishments abiding the standards.

Coffee is one of the focus sectors in the province along with cacao, bamboo, and gifts, decor and houseware (GDH), among others.

Thus, like food, local coffee growers and processors need to be equipped with knowledge and skills on GMP and apply them in their respective operations, Tupas said.

GMP seminar was among the needs identified especially for the coffee sector last year, he said.

"Most consumers nowadays are conscious of their health so through GMP they are assured that the food they buy is hygienically prepared," he added.

DOST-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Allan Francis Daraug, meanwhile, served as speaker during the seminar.

Aside from GMP, participants were trained in food safety, and product packaging and labeling, among others.

This is the first GMP seminar conducted by the DTI in the province this year.

Recognizing its impact to the local producers, the agency eyes to initiate another seminar for more coffee and food processors in November.