One of the key moments of the year for cherry growers is the intense harvest period, since there are a number of determining factors to achieve good results, including: the supply and demand of labor in the area, climatic factors, high temperatures and exposure of the fruit to the sun, coordination of large teams of people, the cleanliness of the general harvesting process and the quality of the fruit in the orchard.
There are a number of factors that we must consider in order to be ready to begin harvesting, with everything in order. The main axes correspond to labor, work implements, basic infrastructure and equipment.
Within the axis of labor, the following must be considered:
-Have contractors and/or vans that you have previously spoken to who can provide harvesters on harvest days. If you contact people directly to work, that is also valid, but keep in mind the level of individual commitment.
-Have staff to cover all the jobs, since many times the interest of the seasonal workers is to obtain a higher income by harvesting and the work of recorder or quality control is less in demand.
-Have a reasonable number of qualified tractor drivers.
Within the axis of work implements the following must be considered:
-Have enough baskets (if you have to harvest with a basket) for everyone, plus an extra for loss, theft or damage.
-Have enough harnesses to harvest if you need them.
-Have more than the number of ladders needed for harvesting, and make sure that they are as small as possible (but still useful) considering the weight that the harvester will have to carry.
-Have hats, gloves, sunscreen, goggles and other items required by the regulations.
Within the axis of basic infrastructure, the following must be considered:
-Roofs and shade for the places where the fruit is standing (with raschel mesh for example)
-Places with drinking water for the harvesters.
-Machinery in good condition.
It is very important to ensure compliance with these and similar principles, and it is key not only to discuss and comment on them, but also to make them a reality. In addition to the above, it is always recommended to do things as far in advance as possible and to train all key members of the team to have a harvest where everyone works aligned in the different tasks.
The above, combined with other good practices, will allow for a harvest of high standards.
