edwin cruz - Sarawak Development Institute

Dr. Erwin Joseph S. Cruz, D.V.MDiplomate, Philippine College of Poultry PractitionersFounding Director, Philippine Association of Free-range Poultry Advocates

The Philippine experience

The concept of “Compartmentalization” to assure acontinuous supply of good quality free-range chicks Independent breeder stations that are far apartfrom each other that improves Bio-securityVillegas farmMalvarAntonios’farmCaviteFarmers’ChoicechicksRamas farmAntipolo4 th farmUnderconstruction

Free-range chicken production

Important Foundation towards a successfulFree-range Chicken ProductionGood GeneticsourceThis will help protect the smallfarmers and stakeholders of the Freerangepoultry industry&Most specially the consumersGoodNutritionGoodManagement

Important Foundation towards a successfulFree-range Chicken ProductionGood GeneticsourceThis will help protect the smallfarmers and stakeholders of the Freerangepoultry industry&Most specially the consumersGoodNutritionGoodManagement

Basic Manual for HAPPY FARMERS’ CHOICE FREE-RANGECHICKEN MEAT ProductionBy; Dr. Erwin J.S. Cruz, D.V.M., Diplomate, Philippine College of Poultry PractitionersMEMBER: PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF FREE RANGE POULTRY ADVOCATESIntroductionThe evolution of the Free-range poultry system in the Philippines has gone thru a lot of challengessince it started in 1997. From a level of a novelty or a hobby chicken, to a small scale backyard level,and, this has eventually progressed into a level of semi-commercial to a formal commercial production.The loyal clients of the free-range poultry meat has been growing thru the years because of the morenatural / delicious taste and the health benefits of the meat.

Important Points to note in the Evolution ofFree-range to ORGANIC Chicken production1. A solid genetic platform that is adapted to the local condition2. Establishment of Breeder stations (small scale) in acompartmentalized scheme3. Secure a High Quality produce of the Free-range F1 Chicks asmuch as possible produce “antibiotic / synthetic free chicks”4. Educate the farmers and propagate a good free-range meatproduction5. Help stimulate the demand for the product thru consumereducation6. Organize to make a collective impact on the communityFREE-RANGE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

From these base foundations it is now possible to go tothe next step.....Organize a certifying group that can monitor and standardize the production ofFree-range chickenCreate a CODEX or a standard protocol for the local production of free-rangechickenThru an association, create an input sourcing and trace-ability systemThru an association, invite allied stakeholders that will provide valuable inputs.E.g. A certified feed-miller, certified corn/soya producer dedicated for free-rangesystemAlso it is important to invite the marketing stakeholders e.g. Sellers andconsumers and specialist (chefs, gourmet restaurant owners etc,)

Breeder farmersFree-range chickenproducersASSOCIATIONAllied producersSellers and consumers

Important points to focus towardsorganic chicken production Trace-ability of all inputs as well as outputs Certifications of the inputs and outputs Dedicated allied facilities e.g. Testing facilities, Feed mills,non-GMO corn and soya farmer groups, organic feedstuffs Be very particular on the Ranging area itself that is Dioxinfree, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals Have a sturdy independent certifying body to validateclaims, be stern but dynamic Continuous education of both farmers and consumersinstitutional development program

Certified OrganicChicken meatBUYUnder theguidance andsecurity of anASSOCIATION% of sales goes back to theAssociation and certifying groupCONSUMERCertified FreerangechicksourceCertified farmingsystemCertifiedchemical freeranging areaCertified nonGMO, nonchemical inputsUnder continuoustracing andtesting by acertifying group

Thank you very much!