OECS GAP CERTIFICATION PROTOCOL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Transcription

1 GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES OECS GAP CERTIFICATION PROTOCOL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES GUIDANCE DOCUMENT IICA OFFICE IN SAINT LUCIA

2 WHAT IS IICA The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is a specialized agency of the Inter-American System, and its purposes are to encourage and support the efforts of its Member States to foster agricultural development and rural well-being in their territories. With more than six decades of institutional life, the Institute is responding to new mandates issued by the Heads of State and Government of the Americas, the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the ministers of agriculture of the Americas, to reposition itself so that it can meet both the new challenges facing agriculture and the requests for support it receives from its member countries. As it pursues its vision and mission, the Institute has competitive advantages it can draw on to carry out its new role. It has accumulated a wealth of knowledge regarding agriculture and the rural sector, the diversity of peoples and cultures, and the agro-ecological diversity of the hemisphere, all of which are important for crafting creative solutions to a wide variety of problems and challenges. Its presence in all of the Member States gives the Institute the flexibility it needs to move resources between countries and regions, in order to design and adapt cooperation initiatives intended to address national and regional priorities, facilitate the flow of information and improve the dissemination of best practices. The Institute has its Headquarters in Costa Rica, and Offices in 34 countries of the Americas, as well as an Office for Europe located in Madrid, Spain. The Directorate for Strategic Partnerships works out of the IICA Office in Washington, D.C.

3 ISSN CaRC/LC GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES OECS GAP CERTIFICATION PROTOCOL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES GUIDANCE DOCUMENT DECEMBER 2006 IICA OFFICE IN SAINT LUCIA

4 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS ISSN CaRC/LC December 2006 Castries, Saint Lucia The views expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Mention of a proprietary product or commercial firm does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) or the authors of any paper.

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms i 1.0 Introduction Materials and Methods Traceback Record keeping Planting Material Choice of Variety Quality of Planting Material Pests and disease resistance/tolerance Planting Material Treatment Nursery Stock Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Cultivation Site Soil and Soil Management Fertilizer Use Inorganic Organic Manure Water Irrigation Water Processing Water Drinking Water Water Testing Crop Protection Pest and Pest Control Pesticide use Worker health, Hygiene and Welfare Sanitary Facilities Field Sanitation Transportation Packaging Facility Sanitation Waste and Pollution Management Environmental Issues Acknowledgements References 10

6 ACRONYMS GAP GAPs GMO IICA OECS Good Agricultural Practices Good Agricultural Practices Genetically Modified Organisms Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States i

7 1.0 INTRODUCTION The OECS GAP Protocol outlines the main requirements for the adoption and application of good management practices for the production of fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption without affecting the environment and the health of farm works. The certification standards and on farm verification help to assure the consumers that produce with that stamp has been grown under good agricultural practices and processed under good manufacturing practices. This document provides a general guide to the production and processing methods. The level of risk associated with a material or practice may depend on the market for the produce. In the document, risk is categorized by must which signifies that adoption is required or should which signifies that adoption should be encouraged. 2.0 MATERIALS AND PRACTICES 2.1 Traceback There must be a documented traceback system in place to enable individual batches of produce to be traced not only to the farm where the produce was grown but from initial receipt of planting material, through propagation, production, harvesting, packing, storage, transportation including all inputs used, to the final point of sale to the consumer. 2.2 Record Keeping Clear, accurate and up to date records must be kept to show that all the activities of production and post harvest handling comply with the standards outlined in this document and to assist in tracing the history of the produce from the farm to the consumer. Records must be kept for a minimum of two years. 2.3 Planting Material Choice of Variety Produce variety should meet the requirement agreed between the producer and the potential customer with respect of quality standards (taste, visual appearance, shelflife, agronomic performance and minimum dependence on agrochemicals) Quality of Planting Material Material quality (clean, free from pest and disease) and germination rate should be checked before use. Records to be kept included Variety name Batch number Material vendor 1

8 Certification record should be kept Pest and disease resistance/tolerance Growers should be aware of the variety s degree of susceptibility to pests and diseases and have reasons for using this variety. Whenever possible, varieties should possess resistance/tolerance to important pests and diseases Planting Material Treatment The treatment of planting material must be justified. Where there is an option to control a pest or disease by the use of treatment of planting material and a foliar spray, the treatment of planting material should be the preferred option. However, the name of the product(s) used the target pest(s) or disease(s) must be recorded Nursery Stock Purchased nursery stock must be officially certified. There must be plant health quality control system in place and pesticide treatments applied recorded Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Planting of GMO must comply with regulations in the country of production and the country of the consumer. The use of GMO cultivars must be agreed with consumers prior to planting. Suppliers must inform potential customers of any developments relating to the use or production of products derived from GMO. 2.4 Cultivation Site Selection - Site for production must be based on its historical use. This will provide background information on the prior usage of land to be used and in undertaking a risk assessment. A visual identification or reference system for each site must be established. - A permanent recording system of the crops and agronomic activities carried out on the field must be established. - Risk assessment must be undertaken and be based on prior use of land and potential impact of the production on adjacent crops and other areas and vice versa location of field in relation to wind direction and water flow. - A management plan based on the risk assessment must be developed setting out strategies to minimize identified risks including: Spray drift from adjacent lands Land subject to floods or experienced serious floods Land used for garbage and toxic waste disposal Soil status and method of sampling Levels of bacteria and heavy metals Cultivation system 2

9 2.5 Soil and Soil Management - Production maps based on soil types (soil suitability) that help plan crop-growing programmes and rotations should be prepared for the farm. - Crop rotation strategy must be established to maintain soil conditions, reduce reliance on agro chemicals and maximize plant health. There must be justifications for not using rotations. - Cultivation practices that minimize soil erosion must be adopted. - Chemical fumigation of soils must be avoided wherever possible. - Alternative techniques to soil fumigation should be explored before using chemical fumigants. - If chemicals are used to sterilize substrates for reuse, records of location, date, type of chemical used, method of sterilization and operator must be kept. 2.6 Fertilizer Usage Inorganic - Application of fertilizer must be based on crop nutrient requirements and available nutrients through routine soil and leaf analyses to avoid application of excess fertilizer. Growers must be able to demonstrate competence and knowledge in fertilizer use. - All fertilizer applications must be recorded location, date of application, type and quantity of fertilizer applied, method of application and applicator. - Fertilizer application must not result in contamination of ground water. - Fertilizer must be stored in a clean, dry location, physically separated from pesticides, properly labeled, separated from fresh produce, planting material and where there is no risk of contamination of ground water Organic Manure - Handling and Application Manure should be stored in a manner to reduce the risk of contamination of the environment. Manure should be analysed for heavy metals and other potential pollutants before application. Manure storage and treatment sites must be situated as far as practicable from production and produce handling areas. Manure must always be covered and put away from garbage contamination by pests. Barriers or physical containments must be present to prevent contamination by run off, leaching or wind spread from manure storage or treatment areas. The use of untreated manure, or leachate from untreated manure, must be prohibited. Manure must not be applied when the produce is nearing maturity or being harvested. A record sheet must be obtained from the manure supplier for each shipment of manure. The sheet must contain information about the method of treatment. 3

10 Records Persons handling manure should be vaccinated against tetanus and must not handle manure with open wounds. Equipment that comes in contact with untreated manure must be cleaned. Domestic animals should be restricted from fields during the growing season especially close to harvest. Animal waste from adjacent fields or waste storage facilities must not contaminate the produce production areas. Origin of the manure Treatment applied Times and temperatures during the treatment application Amount used Place of application Date of application Responsibility for the application Results of microbiological analysis indicating absence of pathogens (laboratory). 2.7 Water Irrigation Water - Growers should obtain access to regular meteorological forecast to aid in irrigation planning. Where possible, irrigation should be adjusted based on predicted rainfall, plant water use and evaporation. - Water used on the farm must not be a potential source of contamination. - Waste must be disposed in a manner which will not contaminate water - Current and historical use of land to create awareness of potential problems and the control options that are most appropriate. Origin of water being used and control options must be available. Consider: Prevalence of animal production in the region Fences or barriers used to minimize animal access to shared water sources Is manure applied to the land by many farms in the region? Do rainfall patterns and topography impact the likelihood of contaminated run off from these operations reaching surface waters? Practices that minimize the potential for contaminated water to be in contact with edible portion of crop especially where water quality is unknown or cannot be controlled should be followed. - Consideration should be given to a water management plan to optimize water usage and reduce wastage (eg system for re use, maintenance of irrigation equipment to reduce linkage). - Water storage tanks should be kept covered to avoid contamination. 4

11 - Based on risk assessment, water sources should be analysed at least once a year by a suitable laboratory for microbial, chemical and mineral pollutants Processing Water - Practices to minimize microbial contamination (example keep storage tanks clean and covered) must be adopted - Practices that will ensure and maintain water quality include: Water change schedule must be based on periodic water sampling and testing Sanitary conditions must be maintained based on frequency of water change. Standard operating procedures or sanitary operating plans must be developed based on water change schedules for all processes that use water. Produce contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized to ensure the safety of the produce. Equipment designed to assist in maintaining water quality must be routinely inspected and maintained to ascertain efficient operation. All chemical substances that disinfect wash water and in contact with food must be used in accordance with the country s food regulations. Manufacturer s directions for correct mixing of water must be followed Drinking Water - Water for drinking should be from the public water supply. When not available the quality of the water must be verified in order to determine if it is adequate for human consumption. - Water should be stored in clean, previously sanitized containers and tanks. Containers should be washed and sanitized daily. Containers must be kept closed at all times. Containers should be kept away from the sun and excessive heat Water Testing - Water quality. Data of water quality from the public water supply may be obtained from the water authority. Water quality varies with time; therefore one test may not indicate the potential for water to be contaminated. Water for irrigation must be tested at least once/year for microbial, chemical and mineral pollution. Record keeping. 2.8 Crop Protection Pest and disease control - Pest and disease control system must be established with regular monitoring to assess effectiveness. 5

12 Field, and ground in immediate vicinity of packing area must be maintained in good condition Control must be achieved with the minimum pesticide input, minimum adverse effects on the environment and employment of appropriate non-chemical methods in an integrated pest management strategy. Appropriate crop protection product must be used for the control required Pesticide use - Country must have a strict pesticides registration scheme. - Only pesticides that are registered with the local relevant authority in the exporting or importing country must be used. - Pesticides must be used on the crops for which they are registered. - Pesticides must be used at recommended intervals and rates. Recommendations must be given by a competent, qualified adviser. - Persons applying pesticide must be trained and be able to demonstrate competence and knowledge. - Pesticide remains must be disposed of in a safe manner. - Persons applying pesticides must be equipped with suitable protective clothing in accordance with label instructions and appropriate to the health and safety risks posed. - Protective clothing and equipment must be stored separately from pesticides. - Pesticide storage facility must be well identified and away from water sources. - Pesticides must be properly labeled and stored at a location where only authorized personnel can have access to them. - Pesticides must be at the correct residue levels in the crop at harvest time. For crops that are continuously harvested over an extended period of time, there must be a plan for crop protection that does not compromise pre-harvest intervals. - Persons using pesticides must read the labels carefully and comply with instructions. - When mixing pesticides the correct handling, mixing and filling procedures as stated on the label must be followed. - Damaged containers must not be used. - Equipment used for pesticide application must be calibrated. - Spraying equipment must be washed regularly. - Pre-harvest sampling and analysis should be an effective method of determining frequency of pesticide residue analysis. - Pesticide residue results must be traceable to the farmer and to the products production site. - Growers should be able to provide evidence of residue testing by an accredited laboratory. - Empty pesticide containers must be washed several times before disposal. - Supervisory personnel must be trained in the application and administration of pesticides. - Workers must receive regular medical checks. - Postharvest chemicals must be used in accordance with the label. - Growers must be aware of restrictions on certain chemicals in certain countries and must consult consumers to determine if there are additional restrictions. - Proper records must be kept on pesticide use. 6

13 - Records of personnel training Operator s name Experience or hire date Position or job performance by the employee Date of training Training material (topics) Information about the institution responsible for training and instruction records or certificates Signature - Farmer or service provider responsible for pesticide application must have: Technical sheet on the pesticides used Pesticide permits issued by authorized regulatory organisation Evidence of medical checks Pesticides are from certified distributors Pesticide Record Sheet Crop (variety, planting date, product code etc) Name of pesticides used Place of application Application rates Period or time before harvest Name of the person responsible for the application Date of last equipment calibration Date of application Reason for application Amount applied Pesticide pre-harvest interval Medical checks Name of pesticide purchasing company Evidence of residue testing by accredited laboratory Action Plan in the event of maximum residue level being exceeded 2.9 Worker Health, Hygiene and Welfare - Personal Health, Hygiene and Welfare Workers must be trained in hygienic practices on the farm and farm and be trained in farm records. Supervisors must be familiar with signs and symptoms of infectious diseases. Produce and other materials or equipment must be protected from wounds. Good hygiene practices must be followed by visitors to the farm, packing or transport facility. Workers must report signs and symptoms of infection. Accident and emergency procedures must exist and instructions understood First Aid kit must be present 7

14 Employment conditions must comply with national regulations with regards to wages, workers age, working hours and working conditions - Training programme must be established in: good hygiene hand washing proper hand washing techniques using toilet facilities - Records must be available Sanitary Facilities - Toilet and hand washing facilities must be accessible and properly located - All facilities must be kept clean. - Care must be taken when servicing portable sewage toilets. - There must be a plan for containment and treatment of any effluent in the event of leakage or a spill of sewage Field Sanitation - Harvest and storage facilities must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use. - All damaged containers that can no longer be cleaned must be discarded. - Containers or bins used to transport produce must be cleaned before use. - Systems must be in place to ensure that produce that have been washed, cooled or packaged in the field is not contaminated in the process. - Dirt and mud must be removed from the produce before it leaves the field. - Appropriate harvesting and packing equipment must be kept clean and sanitized. - Responsibilities for equipment must be assigned to the person in charge. - Crops growing conditions must not harbour pest Transportation - Workers involved in loading and unloading of fresh product during transportation must adhere to good hygiene and sanitation practices. - Produce inspectors, buyers and other visitors must comply with established hygienic practices such as thoroughly washing their hands before inspecting produce. - Trucks and transport cartons must be inspected for cleanliness, odours, obvious dirt or debris before beginning the loading process. - Temperatures must be maintained to help ensure both the quality and safety of fresh produce. - Produce must be loaded in trucks or transport cartons in a manner that will minimize damage. 8

15 2.13 Packing Facility Sanitation - Containers must be intact. Damaged containers should be repaired or discarded in a timely manner. - Unused, cleaned and new packing containers must be protected from contamination when in storage. - Equipment or machinery that comes in contact with produce should be kept clean. - Packing areas must be cleaned at the end of each day. - The cooling system must be maintained to ensure proper functioning of the equipment. All cooling systems must be inspected daily, debris must be removed and cleaned as necessary. - Produce storage areas must be cleaned on a regular schedule. - Access of pests into enclosed facilities must be prevented. - A pest control log must be in use. (Dates of inspection, inspection reports, steps taken to eliminate any problems). - Chemicals should be used in postharvest treatment only if there is no alternative. - Only registered and recommended chemicals must be used Waste and Pollution Management - All possible sources of, and waste products should be identified in all areas of the farm business. - A plan should be available and implemented to manage wastage and pollution Environmental Issues - Farmers should understand and assess the impact of their activities on the environment. 3.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to those persons who submitted comments during the preparation of the document. Special thanks to Ms Una May Gordon, IICA Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States, for her encouragement and for reviewing the document. I wish to thank Mrs Deborah Biscombe for her assistance in the production. 9

16 4.0 REFERENCES OECS GAP Project 2001 Training Manual for Good Agricultural Practices for Selected Crops in the OECS (draft) 31 pp + 2 appendices. FDA/IICA 2000 Improving the Quality and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Train the Trainer Course, December 4-8, 2002, 215 pp. USDA/FDA/CFSAN 1998 Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Guide to Industry) 40 pp. EUREGAP Protocol

17 INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION ON AGRICUTLURE OFFICE IN SAINT LUCIA 4 TH Floor, Sir Stanislaus Anthony James Building, Waterfront, Castries Saint Lucia, P O Box 1223 Tel: 1 (758) /61 Fax: 1 (758) iica.lc@iica.int Website: