Sustainable Growing

 

 

Freshco have developed a programme called GREENgro. This programme is based around four key elements and practices:

1) Sustainable Growing

2) Reduced chemicals with Nil Residue target

3) Food Safety (HACCP)

4) Good Agricultural Practice which covers all EUREPGAP criteria

When these practises are in place and independently verified, our customers can be assured of the quality, integrity and safety of our produce and that the production systems are sustainable and responsible.

GREENgro CODE OF PRACTICE

A Code of Practice has been developed for all of Freshco's suppliers.

The GREENgro Code of Practice covers the following:

1. Pesticides - Freshco's desire is to supply residue free produce. Under GREENgro we operate a residue-testing programme that ensures safe, wholesome produce for the customer. A Nil residue standard has been developed which covers:

  • Residue levels and definition
  • Pest and disease monitoring
  • Integrated Pest Management best practice
  • Grow safe agrichemical training
  • Reduced chemical application from conventional production (IFP)

 

2. Food Safety - The GREENgro programme is based upon the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and assures our produce is safe in respect of the hygienic and nutritional quality, and free from biological, chemical and physical contaminants. HACCP principles are used to control adverse effects on any part of the production system.

  • Product Traceability
  • Control and monitoring systems
  • Hygiene training
  • Grow safe agrichemical training
  • Validation

 

3. Environment - Freshco requires that GREENgro production and post harvest operations have established environmental management systems.
  • Environment conservation and enhancement
  • Energy efficiency
  • Water Management
  • Recycling and waste disposal
  • Soil and under storey management
  • Contamination Prevention
Internally, Freshco operates an approved documented quality system known as the Risk Management Programme. This programme acts as an umbrella system to ensure compliance with GREENgro. The key elements of this programme that relate to GREENgro include:
  • GREENgro Approved Supplier Programme
  • GREENgro Code of Practice
  • Internal and third party GREENgro Audit
  • Corrective action & improvement cycle
  • Soil and under storey management
  • Annual GREENgro Review