Farm Certification: Tanzania

RNS Number : 6394U

Obtala Resources Limited

31 July 2015

 

31 July 2015

Obtala Resources Limited

("Obtala" or the "Company")

 (AIM: OBT)

Farm Certification: Tanzania

Obtala Resources Limited (AIM:OBT), the vertically integrated agribusiness, timber and retail company, is pleased to announce that it has be awarded the internationally recognized farm GLOBALG.A.P. certification for its agricultural operations in Tanzania.

The Company has received notification from our consultants that the GLOBALG.A.P. Certification has been awarded to our farming operation in Tanzania. This is a significant milestone for the Company and overcomes a barrier to entry with many international food groups.

GLOBALG.A.P. is the internationally recognized standard for farm production. The core product standard is the result of years of intensive research and collaboration with industry experts, producers and retailers around the globe. The goal is safe and sustainable agricultural production to benefit farmers, retailers and consumers throughout the world.

GLOBALG.A.P. Certification covers:

·     Food safety and traceability

·     Environment (including biodiversity)

·     Workers' health, safety and welfare

·     Animal welfare

·     Includes;

o  Integrated Crop Management (ICM),

o  Integrated Pest Control (IPC),

o  Quality Management System (QMS), and

o  Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

GLOBALG.A.P. demands, among other things, greater efficiency in production. It improves business performance and reduces waste of vital resources. It also requires a general approach to farming that builds in best practices for generations to come.

We continue to address additional requirements to secure BRC Global Standards Certification for the processing unit, which will allow us to export internationally to food producers, wholesalers and retailers. An audit inspection was conducted in late June and a certification audit is expected in October 2015.

Commenting on today's announcement, Francesco Scolaro, Chairman of Obtala, said: "As a Board we are very pleased to have gained the GLOBALG.A.P. certification. The award is the result of much hard work and time ensuring full compliance with required international food safety standards. I personally want to thank the team on the ground for their efforts as we can now access new market opportunities for our projects, which will have a positive impact on the Company and importantly the local community in Tanzania. We are working towards BRC Global Standards Certification on the processing unit and hope to have the certification audit in October. The award of these certificates, coupled with the Export Processing Zone ("EPZ") Award, received in late 2014, will greatly enhance market opportunities for the farm and processing unit, in a highly attractive business sector which is expected to continue experiencing strong growth. I look forward to updating shareholders in due course."

Obtala Resources Francesco Scolaro - Chairman Simon Rollason - Managing Director www.obtalaresources.com	[phone]
ZAI Corporate Finance Limited (Nomad)	[phone]
Ray Zimmerman Richard Morrison
Brandon Hill Capital  (Broker)	[phone]
Jonathan Evans
Square 1 Consulting (Public Relations)	[phone]
David Bick Mark Longson

Other information:

GLOBALG.A.P. 

"Putting Food Safety and Sustainability on the Map"

http://www.globalgap.org

G.A.P. stands for Good Agricultural Practice - and GLOBALG.A.P. is the worldwide standard that assures it.

GLOBALG.A.P. is a global organization with a crucial objective: safe, sustainable agriculture worldwide. GLOBALG.A.P. sets voluntary standards for the certification of agricultural products around the globe-and more and more producers, suppliers and buyers are harmonizing their certification standards to match.

The purpose of GLOBALG.A.P. is to create private sector incentives for agricultural producers worldwide to adopt safe and sustainable practices to make this world a better place to live in for our children. Globally connecting farmers and brand owners in the production and marketing of safe food to provide reassurance for consumers. GLOBALG.A.P. lays the foundation for the protection of scarce resources by the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices with a promise for a sustainable future.

BRC Global Standards

http://www.brcglobalstandards.com/

BRC Global Standards is a leading safety and quality certification programme, used by over 22,000 certificated suppliers in 123 countries, with certification issued through a worldwide network of accredited certification bodies.

The Standards guarantee the standardisation of quality, safety and operational criteria and ensure that manufacturers fulfil their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer. BRC Global Standards are now often a fundamental requirement of leading retailers.

 

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