Fruit Crops Edition - Blueberry Section

Seasonal updates on diseases, insects, weeds impacting small fruit (blueberry, cranberry, and wine grape). Fruit Pest Alerts are also available via this category feed.
 
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November 16, 2015

On Farm Food Safety Winter Trainings Announced

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On-farm food safety trainings will be held this winter throughout the state.  Certificate based third party audit trainings will be offered in Rosenhayn and Chatsworth.   Three additional trainings, located in Atlantic City, Trenton and Pittstown, will offer the required curriculum for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act.  More information on who will need to comply with FSMA to be published soon, as the final rule was just released and we are working to understand its implications for NJ produce growers.

Registration is required for attendance at these trainings!

Filed Under: Blueberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
October 15, 2015

Food Safety Modernization Act Update:
Farm Definition & Exemptions

FDA FSMAThe Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule was published in the Federal Registry September 17, 2015. This is the first of two which may directly impact fruit and vegetable growers. To review the complete rule go to https://federalregister.gov/2015-21920.

This rule updates good manufacturing practices related to processing and clarifies the farm definition and exemptions. Under the original proposed rule there were several activities on farms in our region that would have had to comply with this rule. However, with the revised definition most activities are exempt or fall under the Produce Rule which will be published at the end of October.

Under the final definition there are two ways to be considered as a farm: as a “Primary Production Farm” or as a “Secondary Activities Farm.”
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
October 1, 2015

Alert: Disaster Preparedness for Production Agriculture

Governor Chris Christie today declared a state of emergency throughout the state as a result of severe weather conditions expected in the coming days. The National Weather Service is forecasting a dangerous nor’easter weather pattern impacting New Jersey beginning on October 1, 2015, including high winds, very heavy rain, inland river flooding, as well as major coastal flooding with heavy surf and beach erosion. The National Hurricane Center currently has forecasted the track for the impending weather event Joaquin, now a major hurricane, showing it moving northward off the mid-Atlantic coast late on or about October 4, 2015, which may cause significant flooding, dangerous storm surges between eight and ten feet, substantial wind damage, and stream and river flooding threatening homes and other structures, and endangering lives in the State.

Office of the Governor

ReadyAG Can Help Plan and Prepare

ReadyAG Workbook
ReadyAGJust as we’ve finished National Preparedness Month, Governor Christie has declared a state of emergency. In case Hurricane Joaquin takes a turn toward the Jersey Shore this weekend, there are many resources and tools to help get your families and homes prepared. Make sure your farm business is ready too.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Cranberry, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
September 29, 2015

Update on Ag Worker Protection Standard

A pre-publication version of the Ag Worker Protection Standard Revisions has been posted on the EPA’s website. In addition, a document comparing new protections to existing protections is available. Per Nancy Fitz, US EPA – Office of Pesticide Programs, compliance with most of the new standards will be required in mid-December 2016. Thanks to Pat Hastings, Rutgers NJAES Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, for the heads-up.

Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Revisions (314pp, 880K)

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape
August 31, 2015

Audit Ready: Sanitizing Surfaces in Post Harvest

sanitation product contact surfacesSanitizing product contact surfaces is important in reducing cross contamination risks.  “Product contact surfaces” means anything that comes in contact with the product such as equipment, belts, rollers, brushes, tables, bins, sinks, tools, and reusable totes.  Writing a standard operating procedure describing the specific steps of your cleaning process will help ensure that the surfaces are properly cleaned.

Proper cleaning and sanitizing of contact surfaces includes these steps:

  1. Surface is rinsed to remove any visible debris
  2. Appropriate detergent is applied and the surface is scrubbed
  3. The surface is rinsed with water that is potable (drinkable)
  4. Appropriate sanitizer is applied, following the directions
  5. Let the surface air dry

An appropriate sanitizer for use in post harvest surface cleaning is one that has an EPA registration number, states that it is food grade, and gives specific instructions for the products use as a surface cleaner.  Remember the label is the law.

Filed Under: Blueberry, Food Safety, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops
August 26, 2015

Fruit IPM Report 8-26-2015

Peach

Oriental Fruit Moth (OFM): A fourth flight is now being seen as trap captures start to increase (in apples). Since most peaches are off, this is not a concern in most blocks. However if you have very late varieties, especially if close to apple plantings, then treatments are needed.

Tufted Apple Budmoth (TABM): All treatment timings are over for this pest statewide. The only exceptions would be in northern counties where there may be visible injury, and growers want to continue the use of B.t. products.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blueberry, Fruit, Tree Fruit, Wine Grape