Profitability Assessment on the Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among Cabbage Farmers in Dalaguete, Cebu

The good agricultural practices (GAP) system is a set of principles applied to on-farm production and post-production processes which reduces harm caused by pesticides to consumers and mitigates environmental damage caused by agricultural activities. This study aims to compare the profitability of farmers trained under GAP compared with conventional practice (non-GAP) in cabbage production in Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines. The GAP-trained farmers employed the recommended practices such as application of organic inputs, soil and water conservation, minimization of pesticide utilization, and application of optimal amount of fertilizer. These practices were taught during programmed trainings by the non-government organizations and the Department of Agriculture. Profitability was measured using gross margin analysis per hectare and results showed that GAP trained farmers are more profitable (PHP 52,058.09 or USD 1,000.35 per hectare) than the non-GAP trained (PHP 23,684.02 or USD 455.11 per hectare) during dry season. Based on the regression analysis, profitability was significantly affected by educational attainment, adoption to GAP, and availability of irrigation for vegetable production. The study highly recommends to further improve the implementation of the good agricultural practices certification program to the vegetable farmers in Dalaguete, Cebu.