Sharon Reid packs bananas at Plunkett farms at Albion Mountain, St. Mary. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE LATEST trade statistics show that Jamaican exports amounted to some US$80 million to the European Union (EU).
"We are looking to build on that performance," said Janet Lawrence, post harvest specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. She and Dr. André Gordon, president of the JEA and managing director, Technological Solutions Limited, were presenters at a Jamaica Exporters Association of Jamaica (JEA) seminar held at its headquarters last Tuesday.
She said exporters could achieve this through training in the areas of inspection, the maintenance of clean procedures and high quality standards from harvesting to pack houses to consumption.
"A lot of responsibilities rest with the farmers to maintain the quality of the produce being harvested," Ms. Lawrence pointed out, referring to the maintenance of the appearance, texture, nutritive value of the produce as well as the cautious use of chemicals to ensure the safety of consumers. "These factors, if constantly scrutinised, would reduce the losses which exporters sometimes experience," she noted.
Precautions to prevent damage of produce should start by careful field handling by farmers she advised. This included the use of the correct cutting tools, early morning harvesting, when the quality of produce is at its peak (and less susceptible to fungal infection) as well as the use of picking bags and field crates for collection to avoid abrasions and other mechanical damage.
SPOILING THE WHOLE SHIPMENT
The post-harvest specialist said there were instances of whole shipments being rejected due to the discovery of pests and diseases on produce. She pointed out that this occurred because of sometimes careless collection practices of harvested produce. This, she said, could be avoided by the use of field crates elevated from the ground to prevent produce from collecting soil which might be contaminated.
PACKING HOUSE OPERATIONS
Ms. Lawrence recommended that produce awaiting transportation to packing houses should be stored in shaded areas away from contamination as they were still alive and undergoing physiological activity. The use of appropriate vehicles and careful loading (loose versus packaged) to avoid damage should also be noted.
The important factors which impact on proper packing house operations, the Specialist pointed out were lighting, ventilation, disposal of waste such as cuttings and diseased material, the disposal of wash water and post harvest treatment waste. "Sanitation plays a critical role in this area," she said. Things like easy to clean and sound floor, wall, and door surfaces; windows constructed to prevent accumulation of dirt and fitted with insect proof screens and the maintenance of clean work tables and equipment.
Dr. Gordon, quality standards specialist, in his presentation, outlined the European Union Quality Standards for Fresh Produce. According to Dr. Gordon if Jamaican exporters want to access these markets they have to ensure that their produce meets world class standards and the safety requirements stipulated by the EU. These include Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Hygiene Practices and Good Agricultural Practices. "Following these strict guidelines is the only way to command a premium price and to determine whether or not exporters will access the market and remain in it.," Dr. Gordon said.
