Indiana Small Farm Conference February 21, 2014 Danviille, IN Jim Baughman, Freedom Valley Farm Liz Maynard, Purdue University On-Farm Packing Facility 101 Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.
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On-Farm Packing Facility 101 - Purdue University · Indiana Small Farm Conference. February 21, 2014. Danviille, IN. Jim Baughman, Freedom Valley Farm. Liz Maynard, Purdue University.
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Indiana Small Farm ConferenceFebruary 21, 2014Danviille, IN
Jim Baughman, Freedom Valley FarmLiz Maynard, Purdue University
On-Farm Packing Facility 101
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.
FVF Farm
Activities in a Packing Facility(all activities may not be done, depending on farm)
• Receiving (from field)• Cleaning or Washing• Drying• Trimming or Topping• Waxing• Grading• Sizing• Packing• Pre-cooling• Cooling• Storing product• Shipping• Waste handling (product and water)
Planning Questions
• Which activities?• How much product?• What products? Priority products?
– Market requirements for different products
• Need for future expansion?• Equipment shapes, sizes, capabilities?• Seasonality?
Example PlanningCrop Impor-
tanceWash Pre-cool Store
(short-term)
Store (long-term)
Quantity/Day
Months
Toma-toes
*** ? √ June-Oct
Leafy Greens
*** √ √ Jan.-Dec.
Sweet Corn
* √ July-Aug.
Winter Squash
** Sept.
Turnips * √ √ Sept.
FVF Packing Facility
Walk-in Coolers
CSA Slide
Winter Carrots
Plan for Efficiency• Flow pattern• Bulk handling• Automation• Communication• Employee station
for recordkeeping
Kitinoja and Kader 2003
Photo from Healthy Farmers Healthy Profits at U. Wisc.
FVF Packing Facility
Primary Wash Tank
Plan for People
• Ergonomic• Lighting (for comfort as well as for grading
produce)• Noise• Break area• Toilet facilities• Storage of clothing, personal effects (coats,
jackets gloves, boots)
Greens Cleaning Station
Plan for People - Lockers
Plan for Safety
• Electrical hazards• Container weight limitations• Eyewash station• First aid• Fire extinguishers
Safety - Electrical Hazard
Insulation
FVF Packing Facility
Plan for Food Safety • Cleanable materials and
equipment• Potable water• Controlled access• Unattractive to animals• Separation of clean and dirty• Dedicated storage areas• Glass is contained• Handwashing sink• Employee station for recordkeeping• Adequate cooling
Greens Machine
Walk-in Cooler
Walk-in Cooler
Storage
FVF Barn
Cleanable – Barn Floor
Processing vs Packing
• Processing plants fall under different regulations
• Energy efficiency in building and equipment• Efficient water use• Reuse/recycling of water• Waste handling• Renewable materials
Insulation
Radiant Heat Pipes
Outdoor Wood Boiler
Waste Handling - Barn Septic
Waste Handling - Barn Septic
FVF High Tunnels
ResourcesPurdue Fruit and Vegetable Connection ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/for copies of Scott Sanford’s presentation on buildling a cooler see links at ag.purdue.edu/hla/fruitveg/Pages/IHC2014.aspx
Postharvest Handling Decision Tool from Leopold Center for Suatainable Ag www.leopold.iastate.edu/cool_tools/post_harvest_handling_decision_tool
Small-Scale Postharvest Handling Practices, Kitinoja and Kader ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-1449.pdf
The Commercial Storage of Fruits, Vegetables, and Florist and Nursery Stocks, USDA-ARS, Agricultural Handbook Number 66, 2004. www.ba.ars.usda.gov/hb66/contents.html
Indiana Guide for Preparation of Fruits and Vegetables Exempt from Processing Requirements www.in.gov/isdh/files/Indiana_Guide_for_Preparation_of_Fruits_and_Vegetables_exempt.pdf
Indiana State Dept. of Health Final Guide on Whole Uncut Fresh Produce Storage and Distribution, 2006. www.in.gov/isdh/files/Guidance_on_fresh_produce_final.pdf
Indiana-Illinois Food Safety for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables ag.purdue.edu/hla/foodsafety/
Healthy Farmers, Healthy Profits at U. Wisconsin bse.wisc.edu/HFHP/