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

www.in.gov/isdh/files/Indiana_Guide_for_Preparation_of_Fruits_and_Vegetables_exempt.pdf

Salad Greens

Plan for Sustainability

• 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

NCSU Postharvest Resources www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/postharv/

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/

delicious.com/vegetableproduction/postharvest