A four-day Internal Control System (ICS) Orientation and Documentation Training is currently being conducted in Sakteng and Merak, Trashigang, bringing together about 50 members of the Merak-Sakteng Zoety GI Cooperative.
The training aims to strengthen the cooperative’s capacity to effectively implement and manage its Internal Control System in accordance with Bhutan’s Geographical Indication (GI) requirements and the approved ICS Management Plan.
Through hands-on exercises, mock inspections, field-based learning, and documentation sessions, participants are building practical skills in producer registration, internal inspections, traceability, product verification, and record management.
These competencies are critical for maintaining the authenticity, quality, and reputation of Merak-Sakteng Zoety, while ensuring compliance with GI standards.
The training is conducted with support from FAO Bhutan in collaboration with the Bhutan Food and Drug AuthorityDepartment of Livestock, Royal Government of BhutanDepartment of Agricultural Marketing and Co-operatives, RGoBDepartment of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property.
This initiative represents an important step toward empowering producers, strengthening quality assurance systems, enhancing consumer trust, and creating greater market opportunities for one of Bhutan’s unique traditional products.
