Food Safety in Agroforestry Systems | Hoch Orchard & Gardens

Poop is important for a healthy agroecosystem. But food safety requirements can be complicated for farmers grazing livestock in their orchards. Hear from Harry Hoch of Hoch Orchard and Gardens how he manages risks and successfully grazes livestock in his agroforestry system. Owners Harry and Jackie have been tending their 94 acre organic, biodynamic orchard for over 30 years and are constantly striving for better livestock integration.
Want to learn more about food safety in agroforestry systems? Visit: www.savannainstitute.org/food...

[@b_uppy]

I moved my sheep often in the orchard and they never bothered the trees. Think keeping them on fresh graze works best (though I suppose if they find a tree is tasty enough...).

[@mrj1329]

I would suggest having a look at the Food Safety Management System standard ISO 22000. That will give you a set of requirements for outcomes without being prescriptive about how you achieve them.

[@agroforestry_paradigmshiftfilm]

Very interesting and informative, thank you!

[@ThePmloc]

Could you use ladders with hand rails in order to avoid touching the steps, or use gloves( disposable) when actually handling the fruit.

[@animeclips7232]

That's such a wonderful insight.

[@jamesb2148]

Fantastic!

[@AFRIKTODAY]

Beautiful Farm.

[@ercionejesus7596]

Muito bom amigo

[@Mingmarification]

very nice place love to be there once

[@gabrielaorlowski2075]

🙏❤🙏

[@daygreenenvironment]

AMAZING

[@Willow_and_Sage]

How would we create a protocol for someone just looking into to starting on a small scale?

[@b_uppy]

If you are starting small, start with a smaller proportion of livestock to grazing area. This works especially if the land was conventially managed previously. The biome needs a little time to adjust and recover. Talk with you extension service and conservation district office about livestock stocking rate.
Plus side is that well managed pastures that avoid overgrazing as a model have much better native biodiversity as well as producing superior products, nutritionally.
Starting smaller has another benefit as you ease into it. It's easier to figure if you have some problematic livestock and trade them out, and you can always expand as you get comfortable.

[@b_uppy]

If you are starting small, start with a smaller proportion of livestock to grazing area. This works especially if the land was conventially managed previously. The biome needs a little time to adjust and recover. Talk with you extension service and conservation district office about livestock stocking rate.
Plus side is that well managed pastures that avoid overgrazing as a model have much better native biodiversity as well as producing superior products, nutritionally.
Starting smaller has another benefit as you ease into it. It's easier to figure if you have some problematic livestock and trade them out, and you can always expand as you get comfortable.