Local vegetable growers meet the ‘standard’

CAFRE and Gilfresh Produce of Loughgall are working together to increase the volume of quality assured fresh vegetables grown in Northern Ireland. Twelve local growers are currently attending a quality assurance training programme delivered by CAFRE to help them achieve the Assured Produce Scheme status.  The Assured Produce Scheme provides a nationally recognised framework, through which growers demonstrate best practice, beyond the requirements of legislation.  

Stephen Murdock, a Comber grower who has just applied to the Assured Produce Scheme, gave his assessment. “A lot of quality assurance is common sense, but these common sense measures have to be recorded on paper. In the long run it will give us a more professional approach to growing.”

Ronan McShane, agronomist with Gilfresh Produce praised the growers and their families for their commitment in attending the training programme provided by CAFRE. “Each aspect of training, from health and safety to pesticide application, enables a better duty of care to employees and the environment, so Gilfresh look forward to working with growers at such a continued professional standard”.

If you or a family member would like further information on training programmes for edible crops, contact Anne Stone, Edible Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus on 028 94  426683 or by email anne.stone@dardni.gov.uk

Anne Stone, Edible Crops Development Adviser, CAFRE looking at fresh leeks for pre-packing along with Paddy Finn, Kilmore Farm, Armagh and Thomas Gilpin of Gilfresh Produce of Loughgall