Good Agricultural Practices
          March 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.

 Therefore, we are pleased to introduce this new tab Food Quality & Safety to our website.  It is our intent to keep you informed of the food quality and safety issues that effect our industry along with provide useful information and tips on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS).

 During the month of January, in an effort to learn current grower practices and offer guidance in promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) we sent out to all our growers a questionnaire.  We have had a good response and thank you for providing us with this basic information.

 ~ 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

 ~GAP Tips for the month of February~ 

  • Place traps for oriental fruit moths on February 15
  • Apply Fungicides before rain to protect susceptible plant tissue.
  • Mow or spray between rows for week control and frost protection
  • Minimize potential nesting, roosting, and hiding places for pests that may contaminate field equipment or areas where almonds are grown and harvested.
  • Pollination is the first step to a successful harvest, call and confirm with your beekeeper intended delivery schedule, proper density and distribution of hives.
  • Disk or flail mow grounded mummies to destroy navel orangeworm by March 15th.
  • Keep records of pests that are found when monitoring.

 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

Send mail to information@spycherbros.com with questions or comments about this web site.