GAP CLARIFICATIONS FOR CHERRY GROWERS

Traceability and Cherry Tanks: Use receiving ticket for each load. Receiving ticket should include grower name, block #, date, and time of harvest. If growers leave cherry tanks at receiving station, they should have documentation from receiving station.

Receiving Stations and Water Tests: If a grower delivers cherries to a receiving station and that is where the cherries are drenched, the grower will need to get a copy of the receiving station water test and include it in the grower manual.

Cherry Shaker Operators & Gatorade: If a worker is in an enclosed cab, they can have something other than water. If a worker is not in an enclosed cab, only water is permitted.

Irrigation From Surface Water: First test should be taken before season starts.

Sweet Cherry Boxes: Holes would have to be repaired. Ground or vegetative matter to plug holes is not acceptable.

Roll Out Shakers: First important aspect would be the pre-harvest assessment. If a grower finds piles of manure, feces, etc., the grower should document what remedial action would be taken. i.e. Pile of feces, remove the pile of feces or don’t shake that particular tree so tarp is not contaminated.

Tennis Rackets: Tennis rackets would be considered a “hand implement” and should be included in cleaning/disinfecting on a scheduled basis.

Hand Washing Stations: Hand washing stations that collect grey water cannot be poured into the ground but should be collected.

Please send any comments or suggestions regarding this site to:
Bill Klein, kleinw@msu.edu

Last Revised: 3-30-10