05 July 2016
Australian Citrus Harvest handbook out now
Australian Citrus Harvest handbook out now
05-Jul-2016
Help ensure your fruit is picked in the best possible manner to minimise breakdown and maximise pack-outs and export returns.
A NSW DPI pre-release 2016 version of the Australian Citrus Harvest Handbook is available to print and provide to your pickers.
Main author of the booklet, Steven Falivene, NSW DPI Citrus Development Office, says: “We want to get grower and picker feedback over the coming harvest season so we can improve the guide and then finalise it in late spring 2016 so it can be printed by next season.”
A video version of selected parts of the booklet will also commence to be shot this season. Steven thanked the many growers, pickers and packers that have contributed their ideas for the booklet.
“The booklet has been produced not only to help turn out top quality export fruit, but to also help pickers have a good experience, through faster picking tips, and continue picking in the long term.”
Steven is continuing interviewing growers and pickers and already has new content to put in the next version of the book. A PDF copy of the guide is available from all packers.
Pending funding, Steven plans to produce the booklet in a number of targeted Asian, European and Pacific Island languages and also prepare a complete video series in targeted languages.
“Many growers have the language barrier problem for both supervisors and pickers. Growers do not know if the supervisor has properly understood instructions and unsure if they have instructed their pickers correctly.”
Steven also proposes to collaborate with NSW DPI Tocal College to develop an online picking course. The course will show interactive videos and literature. The user will have to pass a multiple choice test to attain a certificate of completion.
This will ensure pickers will have the appropriate foundation skills to pick the crop. The training module is also proposed to be translated in various languages.
“The Australian citrus export industry is based on growing high quality safe fruit and professionalism in production underpins this perception.
Membership
You are not logged in
If you are not already a member, please show your support and join Citrus Australia today. Collectively we can make big things happen.