Specialty Crop Harvest Checklist

Specialty crops require extra care during harvest to maintain quality and value. Follow these procedures for delicate produce handling.

  • Industry: Agriculture
  • Frequency: Each harvest
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Field Supervisor / Specialty Crop Manager
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: USDA GAP, Good Agricultural Practices, FSMA, Specialty Crop Standards

Pre-Harvest Conditions

Verify optimal harvest conditions.

  • Harvesting at optimal time (cool part of day)?
  • Dew has dried on crop?
  • Crop at correct maturity stage?
  • No recent rain (if required)?
  • Ambient Temperature

Specialized Handling

Verify specialty handling practices.

  • Using specialized containers?
  • Container Type
  • Single layer placement (if required)?
  • Padding/cushioning used?
  • Minimal handling practiced?
  • Harvesting tools sanitized?

Temperature Management

Manage temperature for quality preservation.

  • Harvested product in shade immediately?
  • Pre-cooling capacity ready?
  • Max Time to Cooling (minutes)
  • Target Storage Temperature
  • Ice available if needed?

Quality Preservation

Special quality preservation measures.

  • No signs of bruising during harvest?
  • No stacking/crushing of product?
  • Proper moisture level maintained?
  • Special treatments applied if required?
  • Treatment Type (if any)

Initial Setup & Documentation

Complete initial documentation and preparation

  • Inspector / Assessor Name
  • Date
  • Location / Area
  • Inspection Type
  • Previous findings reviewed?

Safety & Compliance Verification

Verify all safety requirements are met

  • All safety protocols being followed?
  • Emergency exits clear and accessible?
  • First aid supplies available and stocked?
  • All hazards identified and controlled?
  • Required PPE being worn correctly?

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Why Use This Specialty Crop Harvest Checklist?

This specialty crop harvest checklist helps agriculture teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for field supervisor / specialty crop manager professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: each harvest.

Ensures compliance with USDA GAP, Good Agricultural Practices, FSMA, Specialty Crop Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Specialty Crop Harvest Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Harvest Conditions, Specialized Handling, Temperature Management, Quality Preservation, Initial Setup & Documentation, Safety & Compliance Verification. It is designed for agriculture operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed each harvest. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Specialty Crop Harvest Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Field Supervisor / Specialty Crop Manager professionals in the agriculture industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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