Managing a Robust Agricultural Operation With These Critical Safety Measures
Arizona's Leading Greenhouse Supplier Shares Essential Safety Measures For Your Agricultural Business
Open Plant Cleaning
Open plant cleaning is essential to every food producer and a critical measure in the
agricultural production hygienic processes. Quite simply, open plant cleaning means following a protocol in which all machines, equipment, and surfaces in a production area are properly cleaned. They may also be disinfected or sanitized, when necessary. In the agricultural side of food production, this type of cleaning and sanitizing may not be a core part of your business, like it would be for other areas of food production, such as processing. However, maintaining the cleanliness of your greenhouse supplies and
hydroponic equipment is critical to your operation’s long term success. Sanitation will go a long way in preventing outbreaks of bacteria or fungus which can wipe out crops or cause disastrous loss of a harvest.
In the horticulture sector of food production, consider investing in industrial hygienic measures to ensure proper hygiene in your operation. These measures can include hygiene locks, clean rooms, and controlled access to greenhouses. You may also benefit from establishing hygiene protocols for your employees, such as clearly marked clean and dirty areas, and establishing incentives for following these protocols. Insufficient hygiene from even one employee can render your entire open plant cleaning process completely useless.
Complying With Global Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Global GAP, which stands for Good Agricultural Practices, is a certification standard for agrarian food producers that is recognized worldwide. Horticultural food producers can follow this standard to earn a certification regarding the safety, sustainability, and quality of their products. This is not only a good sales strategy, but also appeals to end consumers, who are increasingly concerned about the sustainability and quality of the food they purchase. There is also growing consumer interest in the conditions of agricultural workers. The Global GAP certification has established guidelines regarding food safety, traceability, employee welfare, biosecurity, the use of chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, and more. Global GAP has varying guidelines related to vegetables, fruits, and other horticultural products. When your agricultural operation complies with GAP requirements, you can feel confident in your company’s hygiene and in marketing your harvests to suppliers or supermarkets.
Personal Hygiene Safety Measures
Employee hygiene is an important safety measure. Even if your business does not produce food or you choose not to comply with GAP certification, you’ll want to consider developing hygiene guidelines or protocols to keep fungi, bacteria, and viruses at bay. For example, you may want your employees to follow protocols regarding the cleaning of their work clothing. It’s always a good idea to have specific protocols for working with pesticides and herbicides, and to require handwashing after using restrooms or before work shifts. Skin conditions and symptoms of contagious illness should be reported to supervisors. Consider a hygienic entrance or requiring specific footwear to protect biosecurity. Personal hygiene is a critical and reasonable safety measure in the management of your agricultural operation.
COVID-19 Procedures For Agricultural Operations
Of course, in 2021, all agricultural operations need safety measures related to Covid-19. Many health organizations believe that personal hygiene is the most important factor in preventing the spread of the virus. This can be accomplished in part by regularly washing or disinfecting hands, so that the risk of viruses and other micro-organisms is reduced. Your operation may need to follow other guidelines related to distancing and face coverings, if applicable. Establishing safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will help keep you and your employees healthy so you can avoid loss due to shutdowns or illness.
If your agricultural operation needs industrial hygienic solutions or commercial supplies,
contact Dutch Direct. Our mission is to connect you with quality brands at the best prices. We drive solutions for your horticultural business by offering the best in irrigation, automation systems, logistics, and more. Maximize your profits by working with
Dutch Direct for all of your greenhouse and
hydroponic needs!
Contact Us:
18 North 57th Drive Ste #1
Phoenix, Az 85043
(844) 388-2434
info@dutchdirect.us
© Copyright 2024 Dutch Direct LLC.
About Dutch Direct
We offer direct access to exclusive and quality brands at highly competitive price-points. We also offer solutions on consumables and equipment at a wholesale cost. Buy direct and save.
