Good Agricultural Practices
          April 2007

The concept of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) has evolved in recent years in the context of rapidly changing food industry.  All food products are coming under increasing scrutiny by government agencies and consumer groups.  As a result the concerns and the commitment of our company are to supply almonds in a safe, responsible manner and to promote the highest level of confidence to our customers around the world.

 Security for food safety, quality and food production as a company begins with our growers at the farm level.  With the use of Good Agriculture Practices, the growers are the first defense in eliminating potential risks associated with the harvesting of almonds.

 ~ The Seven Key Practices of GAPS ~

     1.                  Documentation

2.                  Employee Training

3.                  Fertilizer and Soil Amendment Practices

4.                  Water Quality Source

5.                  Field Sanitation and Employee Hygiene

6.                  Orchard Floor Management

7.                  Pest Control

 Are GAPs overwhelming to you?  ~ Implementing GAPs does not mean making wholesale changes to your operation.  For the most part, they will mean subtle changes to your operation. Try phasing in one or two at a time and proceed from there. .  .

 Start with # 1, 

 Documentation

 Documentation is vital to GAPs.  Documentation aids investigators during the trace back process and without documentation there is no proof that you actually implemented the practices.  Documentation can be as simple as using a weekly planter to record your activities in the orchard.

 ~GAP Tips for the month of April~

 GAPs improve working relationships between growers and huller/shellers by minimizing the potential for pathogens to spread in accompanying solid or debris.  This will improve almond cleaning efficiency and effectiveness along the entire almond production channel.  Prevention of contamination through GAPs is highly preferred to contamination reaction.

 *           Prevent rodent and small mammal build-up in areas where field equipment is stored and

in the orchard to reduce the risk of contamination.

*           If ordering new trees, learn about he attributes of different almond varieties by

contacting a nursery.

 *           Where premergents were used, survey weeds to plan next fall’s management strategy

*           Mix, load and clean spray equipment away from areas where waste water may run off into surface water.

For more information regarding these issues we invite you to visit the Almond Board of California’s website under our Link button.

Copyright © 2006 Spycher Brothers

Last Modified: October 19, 2007

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