Farmworker how-to

How to Harvest Produce Safely and Gently

Careful harvesting protects quality.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Careful harvesting protects quality. In short: wash; pick; handle, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Wash hands before harvesting.

  2. Pick only ripe produce.

  3. Handle gently to avoid bruising.

  4. Place in clean containers.

  5. Keep containers off the ground.

  6. Move harvest to shade quickly.

Safety reminders for farmworkers

  • Drink water and take shade breaks
  • Follow pesticide REIs
  • Use ladders safely in orchards
  • Lift with your legs

Transplant · Cultivation · Irrigation · Pruning · Harvest · Row crops: see the full farmworker glossary.

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