A TEMPLATE PROVIDED TO THE GROWER MEMBERS OF SAAGA
Compiled and updated by Athol Currie & the Subtrop technical team
Quality of Water Used on Pre-Harvest Activities (in crops that are continuously harvested (e.g. berries), this applies to water used on all farm activities and on the product itself before it is harvested).
NUMBER / TITLE / SUB SECTION / SUB-TITLE
FV4.1 / QUALITY OF WATER USED ON PRE-HARVEST ACTIVITIES / FV4.1.1 / RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WATER QUALITY USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
FV4.1.2 / ANALYSIS OF WATER USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
FV4.1.3 / PREVENTION OF PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
FV4.1.4 / LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND ACCREDITATION
FV4.2 / APPLICATION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER OF ANIMAL ORIGIN / FV4.2.1 / ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRE-HARVEST INTERVAL
FV4.3 / PRE-HARVEST CHECK / FV4.3.1 / ANIMAL ACTIVITY CONTROL
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES BASE QUALITY OF WATER USED ON PRE-HARVEST ACTIVITIES
FV4.1.1 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WATER QUALITY USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
FV4.1.1 / Is there evidence of a risk assessment covering the microbiological quality of the water used in all pre-harvest operations? / A written risk assessment of microbiological quality of the water is conducted. It includes water source, proximity to potential sources of contamination, application timing (growth stage of the crop), application method, and placement of application (harvestable part of the crop, other parts of the crop, ground between crops, etc.). / MAJOR /
- Attached: Risk assessment water used for Pre-Harvest operations.
FV4.1.1 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WATER QUALITY USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
WATER SOURCES
What is the hazard? / Who or what might be harmed and how? / How is the harm likely to take place? / What is being done to manage this hazard? / When is management of the hazard necessary? / Who will manage the hazard? / Risk.
Microbial contamination of the River and pump station / All employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Using contaminated water during pre-harvest activities /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- River pumps are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Microbial contamination of the Reservoir / All employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Using contaminated water during pre-harvest activities /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- The reservoir is securely fenced
Microbial contamination of the Dams and pump station / All employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Using contaminated water during pre-harvest activities /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- Dam pumps are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Microbial contamination of the Boreholes / All employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Using contaminated water during pre-harvest activities /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- Boreholes are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Continued/…
FV4.1.1 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WATER QUALITY USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)ANIMALS & LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS
What is the hazard? / Who or what might be harmed and how? / How is the harm likely to take place? / What is being done to manage this hazard? / When is management of the hazard necessary? / Who will manage the hazard? / Risk.
Microbial contamination caused by domestic animals & stock / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Direct & indirect contamination from livestock operations within close proximity to water sources /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- There are no livestock operations within close proximity to water sources
Microbial contamination caused by wildlife / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Direct & indirect contamination from wildlife coming into contact with water sources /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- A boundary fence on the farm controls access of wildlife onto the property
- Reservoir fencing
- Secure pump houses
DUST
Microbial contamination caused by dust / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Direct & indirect contamination caused by dust coming into contact with water sources /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Permanent cover cropping in orchard inter-rows
- Enforcement of speed limits on farm roads
- There are no agricultural, industrial or mining operations which could cause dust pollution within close proximity to water sources
MANURE
Microbial contamination caused by manure / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Direct & indirect contamination caused by manure coming into contact with water sources /
- No manure or inorganic fertilizers are used on the farm
WATER SOURCE
Possibility of water source drying up / Water sources (boreholes) could dry up due to drought / Unforeseen drought /
- Water available from different sources (Canal)
Water loss due to legislation / Water registration can be taken away / Not complying with the law w.r.t. legislation /
- Registration of legislation is done correctly
EMPLOYEES, SUBCONTRACTORS & VISITORS
Microbial contamination caused by human activities / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Direct & indirect contamination caused by human activities /
- Hygiene training
- Serviced on-farm ablution facilities
WATER APPLICATION
Microbial contamination caused by application methods / Water sources, employees, sub-contractors and end users that come into contact with contaminated water, or product that has been exposed to contaminated water / Contamination caused by application methods /
- Well designed & serviced irrigation systems
- Well maintained (clean) application equipment
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
Continued/…
FV4.1.1 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR WATER QUALITY USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)CONTACT OF WATER USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS WITH CROP
- Avocados are considered a low risk crop regards microbial contamination, all spray programmes are completed between 3 and 4 months prior to harvest.
- Water sources are tested for microbial contamination on an annual basis.
- The fruit is covered by a protective skin that is removed before eating.
FV4.1.2ANALYSIS OF WATER USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
FV4.1.2 / Is water used on pre-harvest activities analysed as part of the risk assessment and at a frequency in line with that risk assessment (FV 4.1.1.) and no less than indicated in Annex FV1? / GLOBALG.A.P. producers shall comply with the local applicable limits for microbiological contaminants in the water used on pre-harvest activities, and in their absence use the WHO recommendations as a reference for the decision making process for preventive and/or corrective actions (see Annex FV1). Compliance with the applicable thresholds shall be verified through water tests carried out in a frequency as indicated by the decision tree in Annex FV1 (risk assessment).
Water testing regime shall reflect the nature and extent of the water system as well as the type of product. Where substantiallly different water sources are used, they shall be considered separately with regard to sampling. Where one water source services multiple systems or farms it may be possible to treat this as the single origin for sampling purposes.
Samples from field level shall be taken from places that are more representative of the water source, usually as close to the point of application as possible. / MINOR
(Will become Major must as of 1 July 2016) /
- Certifications & Registrations File: Water analysis.
- Certifications & Registrations File: Water Sampling Guide
FV4.1.2ANALYSIS OF WATER USED DURING PRE-HARVEST OPERATIONS
- Water used on pre-harvest activities is analysedon an annual basis for the farm, and is done at a frequency in line with the risk assessment (FV4.1.1)
PROCEDURE FOR WATER TESTING
- Frequency of sampling: Annually.
- Timing of sampling: May to July.
- Number of samples: 1 per identified water source.
- Laboratory: Talbot Laboratory – Pietermaritzburg.
- Time from sampling to delivery at testing facility: Maximum 3 hours.
- Sample bottles: Supplied by Talbot Laboratories.
- Procedure for taking samples: Refer to Certifications & registrations File – Water Analysis – Water Sampling Guide.
- Person responsible for taking of samples: Production Manager.
- Irrigation water test standard: DWA Irrigation Water Standards.
- Potable water test standard: SANS 241-1 (including plate count).
- Spray mix water test standard: SANS 241-1 (including plate count).
- Acceptance criteria: Refer to Certifications & registrations File – Analytical report/ recommended limits.
FV4.1.3 PREVENTION OF PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
FV4.1.3 / In the case the risk assessment or the water tests require it, has the producer implemented adequate actions to prevent product contamination? / When the risk assessment based on the water testing indicates risks of product contamination, action shall be required.
Possible strategies to reduce the risk of product contamination arising from water use include, but are not limited to:
- Treating water before use.
- Preventing water coming into contact with the harvestable portion of the crop.
- Reducing the vulnerability of the water supply.
- Allowing sufficient time between application and harvest to ensure an appropriate decline in pathogen populations.
Producers implementing these strategies shall have an adequate and reliable validation process to demonstrate that product contamination is being avoided. / MAJOR
/
- Attached: ALL FARMS - PREVENTION OF PRODUCT CONTAMINATION.
FV4.1.3 ALL FARMS - PREVENTION OF PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
RISK / MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Microbial contamination of the River and pump station /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- River pumps are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Microbial contamination of the Reservoir /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- The reservoir is securely fenced
Microbial contamination of the Dams and pump station /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- Dam pumps are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Microbial contamination of the Boreholes /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Pack house post-harvest treatment
- Boreholes are securely housed & kept under lock & key
Continued/…
FV4.1.3 PREVENTION OF PRODUCT CONTAMINATION (CONTINUED)RISK / MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Microbial contamination caused by domestic animals & stock /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- There are no livestock operations within close proximity to water sources
Microbial contamination caused by wildlife /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- A boundary fence on Waterford Farm controls access of wildlife onto the property
- Reservoir fencing
- Secure pump houses
Microbial contamination caused by dust /
- Annual water analysis, for microbial contamination
- Permanent cover cropping in orchard inter-rows
- Enforcement of speed limits on farm roads
- There are no agricultural, industrial or mining operations which could cause dust pollution within close proximity to water sources
Microbial contamination caused by manure /
- No manure or inorganic fertilizers are used on the farm
Microbial contamination caused by human activities /
- Hygiene training
- Serviced on-farm ablution facilities
Microbial contamination caused by application methods /
- Well designed & serviced irrigation systems
- Well maintained (clean) application equipment
FV4.1.4 LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND ACCREDITATION
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
FV4.1.4 / According to the risk assessment, FV 4.1.1, and current sector specific standards, does the laboratory analysis consider microbiological contamination, and is the laboratory accredited against ISO17025 or by competent national authorities for testing water? / Analyses are carried out by an appropriate laboratory accredited against ISO 17025 or equivalent standard and capable of performing microbiological analyses, or by laboratories approved for water testing by the local competent authorities. No N/A. / MINOR
/
- Certifications & Registrations File: Water analysis.
FV4.1.4 LABORATORY ANALYSIS AND ACCREDITATION
- Water is analysed for chemical & physical contaminants, according to the risk assessment (FV4.1.1).
- The laboratory is accredited against ISO17025.
All water samples taken at Waterford farm are sent to Talbot Laboratories in Pietermaritzburg for analysis.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES BASE APPLICATION OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER OF ANIMAL ORIGIN
FV4.2.1 ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRE-HARVEST INTERVAL
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References & Comments
FV4.2.1 / Does the interval between the application of organic fertilizer and the product harvest not compromise food safety? / Records show that the interval between use of composted organic fertilizers and harvest does not compromise food safety (see also CB 4.4.2).
When raw animal manure is used, it shall be incorporated into the soil:
- prior to bud burst (for tree crops),
- at least 60 days prior to harvest for all other crops. In the case of leafy greens (also called potherbs, greens, vegetable greens, leafy greens, or salad greens) it cannot be applied after planting even if the growing cycle is longer than 60 days.
Refer to FV Annex 1. / MAJOR /
- N/A: The farm does not make use of any organic fertilizer of animal origin.
- Attached: FV4.2.1ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRE-HARVEST INTERVAL RISK ASSESSMENT
FV4.2.1 ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRE-HARVEST INTERVAL RISK ASSESSMENT
What is the hazard? / Who or what might be harmed and how? / How is the harm likely to take place? / What is being done to manage this hazard? / When is management of the hazard necessary? / Who will manage the hazard? / Magnitude of risk.
Type of compost / Human health, crop, soil & environment / N/A: / Composted wood chips do not pose a risk to human health / N/A / Production Manager / Low
Composting method / Human health, crop, soil & environment / N/A: / No additives are used in wood chip mulches / N/A / Production Manager / Low
Weed/ seed content / Environment / N/A: / Wood chips do not contain any form of weed /seed / N/A / Production Manager / Low
Heavy metal content / Human health, crop, soil & environment / N/A: / Wood chips are free of heavy metals / N/A / Production Manager / Low
Timing of application / Environment & crop / N/A: / Wood chips are free of chemicals & toxins that might cause a risk through run-off, air pollution & product contamination / N/A / Production Manager / Low
Fertilizer placement / Environment & crop / N/A: / Mulching is placed directly under the tree canopy, and does not come into contact with the fruit / N/A / Production Manager / Low
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES BASE PRE-HARVEST CHECK
FV4.3.1 ANIMAL ACTIVITY CONTROL
Number / Control Point / Compliance Criteria / Level / References
FV4.3.1 / Is there lack of evidence of excessive animal activity in the crop production area that is a potential food safety risk? / Appropriate measures shall be taken to reduce possible contamination within the growing area. Example subjects to be considered include: livestock near the field, high concentrations of wildlife in the field, rodents, and domestic animals (own animals, dog walkers, etc.). Where appropriate buffer areas, physical barriers, fences should be used. / MINOR /
- Attached: Animal activity control policy.
- Attached: Conservation areas map.
- Visual Inspection.
- Map File: Areas of conservation.
FV4.3.1 ANIMAL ACTIVITY CONTROL POLICY: ALL FARMS
- LIVESTOCK – No livestock is permitted on all farms.
- DOMESTIC ANIMALS – All domestic animals belonging to employees are kept in enclosed areas; no domestic animals are permitted near production areas.
- WILDLIFE – A boundary fence on the farm controls access of wildlife onto the property.
- BUFFER ZONES – Conservation zones are located around dams, wetlands and non-productive sites, these zones attract wildlife away from production areas on the farm.