If you are selling your fruit through a market agent
it is important that you communicate regularly and
visit the markets. In this way you know what your
agent wants and you can supply him accordingly.
Local grower markets and roadside stalls are gaining in
popularity.
QUALITY ASSURANCE SCHEMES
Quality Assurance (QA) is a term used to describe all
the practices that give a business and its customers
confidence that the product produced will consistently
meet specified food safety and quality standards.
There are three levels of QA schemes in horticulture.
Since most fresh horticultural produce is considered
low risk an Approved Supplier Program such as
FreshCare, which focuses on specified practice in
production and handling, will in most cases suffice.
However, some growers may prefer a higher level
HACCP plan or a Certified QA System, for example,
SQF 2000 or ISO 9002.
Growers of all horticultural produce are now obligated
to have a QA system in place. For new growers
training in QA is available.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information contact the author or your
district horticulturist. The Mango Information Kit
is an excellent publication and is available from the
Queensland Department of Primary Industries on 07
54449690.