For the main inflorescence, plastic film polyethylene or plastic covered trays are used. For the sprouts, covered plastic baskets can be used. When prepackaging takes place, the weights of the package range between and g. A packaging form that has been very successful consists of a tray covered with plastic that contains half broccoli and half cauliflower, prepared to be cooked in the microwaves.
For the transport of the broccoli there are different sizes of packages, with capacities that range from 6 to 8kg, and measures up to xxmm. Such voluntary recalls have been due to potential contamination mainly with Listeria , but also Escherichia coli. Below are examples of outbreaks and recalls associated with broccoli reflecting the diversity of vehicles, pathogens, and other circumstances:.
In , Taylor Farms Inc. The recall was initiated after routine sampling of broccoli yielded Listeria. There were no reported illnesses. The salad kits were not available to consumers, but instead unboxed and prepared by retailers for sale at deli counters and restaurants. The products were distributed in five states. The recall was initiated due to potential Listeria contamination of the salad dressing packets. The salad kits were not typically directly available to consumers, but instead unboxed and prepared by retailers for sale at deli counters and restaurants.
The product was distributed in seven states. The recall was initiated after a supplier notified the company that a non-food contact surface in its facility tested positive for Listeria. The product was distributed to Publix Supermarkets in Florida. In , Butterfield Foods, Inc. The recall was initiated after a distributor, SunOpta, notified the company that its sunflower kernel products used in the salad dressing product were recalled due to possible contamination.
In , Gold Coast Packing, Inc. The recall was initiated after a supplier notified the company of possible product contamination. The product was distributed in four states. In , Del Monte Fresh Produce prepackaged vegetable trays sickened individuals 8 hospitalization; 0 deaths with Cyclospora cayetanensis across 4 states. The trays contained broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and dill dip, and were distributed to multiple retailers.
Investigators were unable to identify any individual component of the vegetable trays as the vehicle. Since these outbreaks, several recalls have been issued for products containing broccoli.
In November , Meijer stores initiated a multistate recall of vegetable trays and broccoli florets served in salad bars due to the potential risk of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall involved stores across six states and was initiated in conjunction with Mann Packing Co. The broccoli slaw was at-risk for Listeria contamination and was sold in Washington state and Oregon stores.
No illnesses were reported or linked to the two recalls that were issued. Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable and can be grown as a spring or fall crop. Broccoli is primarily planted in two ways, either by direct seeding or transplanting, with the majority of the industry using direct seeding. Seedlings that are transplanted can be started either in hotbeds or greenhouses. Broccoli is typically grown in double rows on raised beds. While it can grow in a wide range of soil types, for optimum growth the soil must be well-draining, moderately salt sensitive, nutrient dense, and have a pH between 6.
Optimal plant populations for broccoli are 14, to 24, plants per acre. Therefore, the amount of seed per acre that you should buy varies with plant spacing, final plant stand, and percent seed germination. Depending on the planter type used random or precision , you should sow 0.
When transplanting, you should have a minimum of 11, plants per acre. Spacing decisions depend on the row spacing of your equipment, your ability to irrigate, the planting date, and your specific market requirements small or large heads. Fertilizer rates should be based on annual soil test results. If you are unable to conduct a test, the recommended N-P-K application rates are pounds per acre broadcast or pounds per acre banded at planting.
Liming may also be necessary to maintain soil pH in the 5. Cruciferous crops such as broccoli require more boron than most other crops. Applying 3 pounds of boron per acre will eliminate broccoli stems that are brown and hollow.
Severe boron deficiency can produce browning on head surfaces. These affected heads are not marketable. Weed control can be achieved with herbicides, mechanical control, and a good crop-rotation system. Broccoli competes fairly well with weeds, but it should be kept weed-free until plants reach the preheading stage.
Many pretransplant and postemergence herbicides are available for broccoli, depending on the specific weed problem and the broccoli growth stage. If infestation levels are mild, cultivation can be used to reduce weed problems. Insects are a major potential problem in broccoli production. Flea beetles, cabbage loopers, imported cabbageworms, diamondback moths, and aphids all can cause crop losses. Monitoring insect populations with traps or by scouting will help you determine when you should use pesticides and how often you should spray.
Several broccoli diseases can cause crop losses. Black rot, blackleg, bacterial head rot, downy mildew, and Alternaria are common problems. Many of these diseases can be prevented by having a good crop-rotation program and by using disease-resistant varieties. Many of the pesticides required for broccoli production are restricted-use pesticides and require a pesticide applicator license to purchase.
Pesticide applicator tests are usually administered at county extension offices, so you should contact your local office for dates and times of these examinations. When using any pesticides in your enterprise, remember to follow all label recommendations regarding application rates and personal protection equipment PPE requirements.
Because there are no mechanical harvesters for broccoli, it is necessary to hand-harvest the crop. To ensure marketing a high-quality product, you should check the broccoli heads for worms, which tend to hide underneath the florets.
You also will need to grade the heads for size head diameter generally averages 6 inches and for flower bead tightness. Broccoli should be cooled with packed ice or a hydrocooler immediately after harvest. If broccoli is stored this long, however, it will begin to lose its dark green color and firmness.
In the normal course of operations, farmers handle pesticides and other chemicals, may have manure to collect and spread, and use equipment to prepare fields and harvest crops. Any of these routine on-farm activities can be a potential source of surface or groundwater pollution.
Because of this possibility, you must understand the regulations you must follow concerning the proper handling and application of chemicals and the disposal and transport of waste. Depending on the watershed where your farm is located, there may be additional environmental regulations regarding erosion control, pesticide leaching, and nutrient runoff. Contact your soil and water conservation district, extension office, zoning board, state departments of agriculture and environmental protection, and local governing authorities to determine what regulations may pertain to your operation.
Good agricultural practices GAPs and good handling practices GHPs are voluntary programs that you may wish to consider for your operation. The idea behind these programs is to ensure a safer food system by reducing the chances for foodborne illnesses resulting from contaminated products reaching consumers.
Also, several major food distribution chains are beginning to require GAP- and GHP-certified products from their producers. These programs set standards for worker hygiene, use of manure, and water supply quality. These practices require an inspection from a designated third party and there are fees associated with the inspection.
Prior to an inspection, you will need to develop and implement a food safety plan and designate someone in your operation to oversee this plan. You will need to have any water supply used by your workers or for crop irrigation and pesticide application checked at least twice each year. For more information about GAP and GHP programs, contact your local extension office or your state's department of agriculture. You should carefully consider how to manage risk on your farm.
First, you should insure your facilities and equipment. This may be accomplished by consulting your insurance agent or broker.
It is especially important to have adequate levels of property, vehicle, and liability insurance. You will also need workers' compensation insurance if you have any employees. You may also want to consider your needs for life and health insurance and if you need coverage for business interruption or employee dishonesty.
For more on agricultural business insurance, see Agricultural Business Insurance.
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