Quality and Food Safety Practices at Letsema Horticulture Market

  1. Ensuring “Certified Fresh” Compliance

Letsema Horticulture Market aspires to be a leading marketplace connecting farmers with consumers both locally and internationally, through a certified supply chain for fresh produce in Botswana. The market plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all fruits and vegetables meet stringent quality, phytosanitary, and food safety standards, starting from procurement to the final delivery to retailers and consumers. The integrity of the “Certified Fresh” brand is maintained through a well-organized procurement process, robust quality assurance protocols, and ongoing engagement with farmers. Letsema prioritizes strong relationships with farmers and continuously works with them to resolve issues and enhance product quality.

The following outlines the quality and food safety practices shared with farmers during the procurement process, focusing on the procedures that uphold the market’s brand integrity and consumer trust.

  1. Procurement Process Overview

The procurement process at Letsema Horticulture Market involves direct interaction between the procurement team and registered farmers. The market collaborates with certified and trusted farmers who are knowledgeable about food safety and quality standards. The key stages of this process that ensure quality include:

  • Primary Farmer Registration and Pre-Qualification/Assessment
  • Farmer Education and Training on Food Safety and Quality Standards
  • Inspection of Produce Upon Arrival
  • Packaging and Size Requirements
  • Transportation Requirements
  1. Primary Farmer Registration and Pre-Qualification/Assessment

Before procurement begins, Letsema ensures that all farmers are pre-qualified based on their adherence to food safety and quality standards. During registration, the following assessments are made:

  • Verification of Documentation: Farmers must provide documentation of relevant certifications such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), water quality and sources, soil composition, post-harvest practices, and transportation. These compliance documents ensure that farmers adhere to local public health regulations and internationally recognized food safety and sustainability practices.
  • Farm Assessments: Each farm must complete a farm assessment checklist based on GAP standards before being approved. This checklist covers key food safety practices at the farm level, including water sources, post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation methods (e.g., using clean, covered, and refrigerated vehicles).
  • Ongoing Monitoring: After registration, farmers are regularly monitored for compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards. Non-compliant farmers may be removed from the supply chain following scheduled and surprise audits. These audits identify gaps and areas for improvement, with follow-up collaboration with farmers and relevant authorities to close these gaps.
  1. Farmer Education and Training on Food Safety and Quality Standards

To ensure high food safety standards and maintain the integrity of the “Certified Fresh” brand, Letsema invests in educating farmers. The market organizes training sessions on key topics, including:

4.1 Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training

  • Soil Management: Farmers are trained on the importance of soil health for produce quality, including the use of proper fertilizers and organic alternatives to prevent contamination.
  • Water Safety: Training on proper irrigation systems and water testing to prevent waterborne diseases.
  • Pesticide Management: Safe pesticide and herbicide use, including application techniques and adherence to withdrawal periods to avoid pesticide residues.
  • Crop Rotation and Pest Control: Instruction on crop rotation and integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize chemical use and ensure safe produce.

4.2 Post-Harvest Handling and Storage

  • Sanitation Practices: Farmers learn proper cleaning and sanitization of tools, storage areas, and transportation vehicles to prevent contamination.
  • Handling of Fresh Produce: Emphasis on minimizing physical damage during handling, which can lead to spoilage and contamination.
  • Temperature Control: Farmers are trained in refrigeration techniques to maintain freshness and prevent microbial growth immediately after harvest.

4.3 Quality Control Standards

  • Grading and Sorting: Guidance on grading produce by size, color, and ripeness, ensuring that only produce that meets market quality standards is accepted.
  • Visual Inspections: Training on inspecting produce for defects such as bruising, discoloration, and signs of disease.
  • Traceability: Educating farmers on the importance of maintaining detailed records to ensure traceability from farm to market, allowing for recalls in case of contamination.
  1. Inspection of Produce Upon Arrival at the Market

Upon arrival at Letsema Horticulture Market, the produce undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure quality and safety:

5.1 Visual and Sensory Inspection

  • Market quality inspectors conduct visual inspections for defects, bruising, discoloration, and contamination.
  • Sensory inspections, including smell and texture, help determine whether the produce is fresh and free from spoilage.

5.2 Microbial Testing and Residue Sampling

  • Random sampling is tested for pesticide residues, harmful bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), and other contaminants.
  • Produce is tested against local and international safety standards, and non-compliant produce is rejected.

5.3 Documentation Review

  • Documentation for each batch is reviewed to ensure that certifications and traceability records are complete and accurate.
  1. Packaging and Labeling

Once inspected and approved, produce is carefully packaged and labeled:

  • Packaging Materials: Food-safe and hygienic materials, such as clean crates, boxes, and breathable bags, are used to protect produce during transport and preserve freshness.
  • Labeling: Labels include traceability information such as farm of origin, certification details, harvest date, and batch number to ensure transparency for consumers and regulators.
  1. Transportation and Dispatch

Transportation and dispatch processes are crucial to maintaining produce integrity:

  • Cold Chain Management: Temperature-controlled vehicles are used to maintain the cold chain, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Safe Transport Practices: All transportation vehicles are cleaned and sanitized, with regular inspections to maintain hygiene standards.
  1. External Stakeholder Engagement

Letsema Horticulture Market works closely with external stakeholders, including farmer associations (e.g., BOHOCO, Farmers United), government agencies, and food safety auditors. These partners provide additional checks and audits, ensuring that Letsema’s processes align with both local and international food safety standards. External collaboration helps verify and improve the market’s procedures, ensuring compliance with the highest food safety protocols.