Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/751050
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER DECEMBER 2016 57 only ours, but other private labels. We've had to face that this is a lot bigger operation and it needs to be in a much bigger area, not just on the packing room floor." BUILDING A FOOD SAFETY TEAM Ten years ago, Mark said he probably had never heard of Listeria monocytogenes. A recall of California apples in 2014 quickly raised awareness for the entire industry. "The silver lining is that I think we'll all be better and much more aware," he said. "We've learned a lot." In terms of food safety, the company's focus over the past year has been on improving practices and training, said Will Strand, director of regulatory compliance. Particular areas of concern: brush pads, sort tables with soft surfaces that can be tough to clean without damag- ing them, and the water quality within the dump tanks, where water is changed daily. The company has also recognized the need to recruit sanitation workers — a difficult task that requires com- munication, higher pay and rewards for experience and time on the job. "The best way to recruit, and we're still practicing and improving, is demonstrating the importance of the func- tion to the whole process," Strand said. "You can remove some of the human touches in packing, but sanitation is still one of those areas that takes a lot of hands-on work. You need workers who take pride in the work and know they're part of the team." Mark agreed. "Cleaning the lines at 1 in the morning is probably not the most glamorous job in the industry, and until the last few years, we didn't really give it much thought. Now that person is almost the most important in the company," Mark said. "We have recognized it as a very critical position and are staffing for it." • This Zirkle packing facility in Selah can run multiple varieties at the same time. "It's an exciting time to be in the fruit business. We're trying to find as many niches as we can." —Mark Zirkle LICENSED NURSERIES Cameron Nursery, LLC P.O. Box 300 Eltopia, WA 99330 509-266-4669 Helios Nursery 18936 Hwy 28 West Quincy, WA 98848 509-787-7777 Brandt's Fruit Trees, LLC 1420 N. 16TH Ave Yakima, WA 98902 509-248-4315 One year propagation contracts available upon request. Contact Adams County Nursery for details. PREMIER™ HONEYCRISP PREMIER™ HONEYCRISP DAS-10 CLTV. PP#24,833 DAS-10 CLTV. PP#24,833 SCHEDULE BUDDING NOW FOR SPRING 2018 AND SPRING 2019 An early maturing Honeycrisp strain originating from a complete tree sport in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Observed over six fruiting seasons, Premier™ Honeycrisp matures 21 days before the original Honeycrisp. This cultivar maintains the same fruit qualities that have made Honeycrisp a top choice in consumer preference. Original vs. Premier™ MASTER LICENSE HOLDER Adams County Nursery, Inc. P.O. Box 108, Aspers, PA 17304 717-677-8105 acn@acnursery.com