Stock Required For The Enterprise

Introduction

Although plant material may not necessarily be a stock item, the process of buying and handling is, as in the case of the other items, prescribed in the Eurepgap requirements for fresh produce production. Registration for Eurepgap is a requirement for entry into most fresh produce markets.

Eurepgap sets out a framework for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on farms and defines essential elements for the development of best practices for the global production of horticultural products. It is a means of incorporating Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) practices within the framework of commercial agricultural production.

Plant Material

The correct choice of cultivar is one of the most important decisions that a grower must make. Producing high-quality produce, which will satisfy consumer preferences in the various markets, is of utmost importance in achieving and maintaining profitability.

Some of the factors which influence the choice of cultivar and rootstock include:

Agro-Chemicals

Agro-chemicals: Can be defined as all chemical substances utilized in pre-and post-harvest processes to produce horticultural products for fresh consumption.

Agro-chemicals includes ameliorates for soil preparation, fertilisers, crop protection and post-harvest chemicals.

Eurepgap requirements for handling chemicals are explicit and most compliance criteria are not considered negotiable. All chemicals must be handled according to the parameters set out under the registration certificate. Chemicals banned in the European Union cannot be used on crops destined for sale in the European Union.

Recommendations for the use of agrochemicals must be made by technically responsible persons able to demonstrate competence to determine types and quantities to be applied. All products must be applied appropriately for the target recommended on the product label.

People handling the products must be trained in the correct and safe handling procedures.

Application of all chemicals must be recorded indicating crop name and variety, application date, product trade name and active ingredients, as well as that the required pre-harvest interval has been observed. Residue testing must be carried out prior to shipment to ensure that the maximum residue restrictions of the target markets are met.

Chemicals must be stored in a safe place in such a manner that no contamination will take place. Empty containers must not be re-used and must be disposed of in a manner that avoids exposure to humans and contamination of the environment.

Maintenance Items

Maintenance items include lubricants, spare parts, tyres and other equipment held in a workshop to maintain vehicles and equipment on the farm. It also includes pipes, fittings and micro-jet or drip emitters to maintain the irrigation system and water supply to the farm structures and housing.

Holding too many of these items constitutes dead capital lying in the stores and it is important to maintain a good balance of the quantities held without jeopardising the farming operation.

All these items must be stored safely on shelves in secured stores with proper control on issuing for maintenance to avoid misuse and to have ongoing information on the level of items in the stores.

Fuel

Fuel must be stored in appropriate containers to ensure that it is secure, and to prevent contamination of the environment.

Preventative measures must be in place to ensure that any spillage can be handled in an ecologically responsible manner.

The storage, replenishing of stock and issuing of fuel should be done in such a way that losses are prevented, and that the use of fuel is controlled.