Human pathogens, harmful chemicals, or foreign
objects can contaminate produce anywhere along
the supply chain — from farm, to market, to the
consumer’s table. Thoroughly cooking produce
kills pathogens, but consumers eat many fruits and
vegetables without thorough cooking. That’s why it
is critical to prevent contamination.
Preventing contamination on the farm depends
largely on farming and post-harvest practices, not
farm size, distribution area, or revenue. Whether a
farm is big or small; growing melons, tomatoes, or
greens; in a greenhouse or in a field; poor farming
and food handling practices can contaminate
produce. Implementing good agricultural
practices (GAPs) is the best way to protect your
customers, your business, and the produce
industry as a whole.
GAPs are farming practices that focus on
preventing contamination of fruits and vegetables
on the farm. Taking reasonable steps to prevent
a problem in the first place often costs far less
money and time and is more effective than trying
to fix a problem after it arises. Just as farmers tailor
crop production and pest management practices
for their particular operations, farmers should
tailor GAPs to the specifics of their farms.
The following pages highlight some GAPs growers
can follow to reduce the risk of contaminating
produce on the farm. Growers can prevent
contamination at all stages of crop development:
before planting, while the crop is growing, during
harvest, and after harvest.