What buyers demand.
WHAT FORMAL BUYERS REQUIRE
Consistent quality Specified characteristics Safety Traceability Sometimes, certification
WHAT QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS COVER
Size and grade Moisture content Foreign matter Damage and defects Chemical residues
WHY RESIDUES MATTER
They exclude produce from formal and export markets entirely.
WHAT CAUSES RESIDUE PROBLEMS
Applying chemicals incorrectly Failing to observe the interval before harvest
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The required interval for every product used.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every application: what, when, how much, on what.
WHY
It is required for traceability and it protects you.
WHAT TRACEABILITY MEANS
Being able to establish where produce came from.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Records linking output to plots, dates and treatments.
WHAT CERTIFICATION SCHEMES EXIST
Standards bodies certification Good agricultural practice schemes Organic certification Export-specific requirements
WHAT THEY REQUIRE
Documented practices Records Inspection Fees
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether buyers you want actually require it.
WHY
Certification without a buyer requiring it is expenditure without return.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Meet the quality specification consistently.
WHY
It is what most buyers actually want.
WHAT TO BUILD
Records, from the start.
