This document provides an overview and guidelines for implementing the Horticulture Code of Practice KS 1758-2016 in Kenya. It covers: 1. An introduction to the code and its requirements for hygienic and safe production, handling, and marketing of fresh produce. 2. Guidelines on management systems, cultural practices, plant nutrition, pesticide use, harvest handling, and social/labor issues to ensure compliance. 3. A training objective to introduce participants to the code and its requirements, and how to implement it in their organizations.

1. Agriculture Food Authority (AFA)
(Horticultural Crops Directorate)
Presented by:IRENE MUNYOKI
HORTICULTURE CODE OF PRACTICE:
KS 1758-2016
PART 2
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

2. TRAINING GUIDE FOR HCP KS1758
TRAINING OBJECTIVE
• To introduce participants to the Horticulture Code
of practice.
• To sensitize participants on the requirements of the
Standard
• To train participants on how to implement it in their
organizations.

3. SESSION ONE:
INTRODUCTION, SCOPE AND APPLICATION.
INTRODUCTION
• The code stipulates the hygienic and safety requirements.
• Requirements between production/ handling /marketing of
produce.
• The code considers safety provisions for consumers/ workers
in the industry.
• Targets quality production and marketing of fresh produce.
• Harmonizes with existing International Codes on GAPs and
guidelines.
• The code is in compliance to the relevant Laws of Kenya.

4. SCOPE
• The code specifies the requirements for safe production of produce.
• The code applies to all players in the industry.
• These includes; Growers/propagators//Consolidators/traders/Cargo
handlers.
APPLICATION
• The code shall apply to procurement of inputs/ production/ marketing of
produce
• In this code;
- Clause categorized - A is major must (100%. Compliance)
- Clause categorized -B is minor must (95%. Compliance)
- Clause categorized -C indicates recommendation (Not mandatory)

5. SESSION TWO
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Introduction
This describes the requirements of a management system for an operator
implementing the standard.
Managerial Responsibility
This requires that;
• Responsibility/ decision making is defined within the organizational structure.
• That responsibility is allocated to suitably qualified and experienced people.
• Operator to have the company’s socio-environmental policy in place
• Policy to have well defined socio-environmental objectives/ goals.
• Management to Demonstrate commitment to implementation of policy.
• Management must review the socio-environmental objectives/ goals
• At least once a year and keep evidence of such review.
5

6. Cont.’
Internal Audits:
The operator shall require;
• Documented procedure for internal auditing to be
implemented
• Corrective actions identified as necessary in the internal
audit.
• A program of annual inspections/internal audits or self-
evaluations.
• Audit or self-evaluation reports.
• Follow-up to audit/ self-evaluation outcomes by a
management representative.
• Respond to internal / external observations and cases of
non-compliance.
• Keep relevant records
6

7. Cont’
Complaint Handling Procedures
The Code requires;
• The management to show commitment to address
complaints that may arise.
• There shall be an established/documented
complaint handling procedures in place.
• The procedure shall state all steps taken to address
arising complaints.
• The complaint handling procedures to be regularly
reviewed to enhance effectiveness.
• The procedure shall be available to customers as
required 7

8. Cont’
Traceability:
The operator to put in place;
• A traceability system by way of designing/ implementing /
monitoring process flow.
• That addresses raw material procurement, product process all
through
• A system that every batch of produce to be clearly marked
(with identification marks).
• Indicating from source (receipt) to the point of sale (dispatch).
• The identification marks should enable the produce to be
clearly traceable.
8

9. Cont.’
Record Keeping and Documentation:
The code requires the operator to have;
• An Organized system of record keeping
• All farm records and documentation kept.
• Employees charged with record keeping are trained
to do so.
• Records shall be clearly written, dated and signed by
a responsible person.
• Records maintained for a period at least two years.
• At least one farm self-assessment/ year is
undertaken & documented accordingly.
9

10. SESSION THREE:
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Introduction:
• This section describes the requirements of cultural practices when
implementing the standard.
Choice of Variety or Rootstock
• Purchased nursery stock/ planting materials from certified sources.
• In case is imported must be accompanied with a phytosanitary
certificate/import permit.
• Where own farm material/sourced from own farm, to show proof of
seed certification process.
• The planting material shall be aimed at meeting the specifications.
• Suppliers of nursery stock shall give quality guarantees and be
documented
• Propagation/planting materials must be traceable to the registered
suppliers/propagators.
10

11. Cont.’
Seed Treatments and dressings:
• The Code requires;
• When seed treatments are used, there shall be justifications.
• Seed treatments shall only be used to prolong seed storage life.
• Or to reduce subsequent application of pesticides after germination.
• The products/pesticides used shall be recorded accordingly.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):
• Where GMOs are used, their use shall strictly be in compliance.
• with both the local regulations and that of the importing country
• The grower shall have copies of appropriate legislation governing growth
• Production of GMOs shall be done in agreement indicating total volume
• GMOs and conventional plant materials to have separate storage
•

12. Cont.’
SITE SELECTION, SOIL AND SUBSTRATE MANAGEMENT
Site Selection/mapping:
• The operator shall prepare soil maps for the entire farm.
• A soil survey shall be done and a map developed as per the soil profiles.
• Records to be kept on soil type(s) and site(s) accordingly.
• Planning rotations/ growing plans may be on the basis of the soil maps
• Crop production areas shall be indicated on the map accordingly
• The operator demonstrates that is in an area where horticulture is allowed
• Crop production areas should not be close to contaminated/ faecal /organic wastes
Cultivation:
•A Good agricultural practice (GAP) policy maintained covering all aspects.
•The method of tillage shall be one that preserves soil structure/ minimize soil compaction.
•Use of machineries that minimize hard pans formation is encouraged.
• Soil Erosion:
•The operator shall put in place Good Agricultural Practices.
• Practices that minimize the risk of soil loss from the farm are recommended
•There shall be no cultivation on slopes greater than 35%.
•on river banks/lake shores or in designated water catchment areas.
•Soil drainage systems shall be developed and well-maintained
• and adequate enough to deal with exceptional rainfall and run offs.

13. Cont.’
Soil Fumigation:
• The operator shall explore alternatives before use of fumigants.
• Use of fumigants shall be minimized.
• Where used there must be written justification.
• and details shall be kept e.g. location, date active ingredients, dosage etc.
• Only duly registered and authorized chemicals shall be used.
Substrate management:
• Substrates used shall be certified/ and from acceptable source
• The substrate is to be traceable to an acceptable source.
• Operators who use substrates are advised to recycle them/minimize waste.
• Recycled substrates should be treated/sterilized before re-use
• There must be documentation on details e.g. quantities used , date--
• Sterilization by steaming is the preferred option.
• Where chemicals are used to sterilize, details should be kept

14. SESSION FOUR:
PLANT NUTRITION ,FERTILISER USE AND IRRIGATION
Fertilizer Usage;
• A written fertilizer plan shall be developed based on soil/ plant analysis.
• This analysis shall be regularly conducted to evaluate the fertilization plan.
• Chemical fertilizers shall be applied based on nutrient requirements of crop
• Or on receipt of technical advice.
• Detailed Records of fertilizer application shall be established/documented.
• Trained/ competent employees shall be responsible for fertilization program .
• Application equipment shall be kept in good condition.
• Equipment shall be calibrated to ensure accurate fertilizer application.
• Fertilizer shall be stored in a secure facility to avoid polluting environment.
•There shall be a well-managed fertilizer stock inventory/regularly updated
Organic Fertilizers;
• Use of organic manure is encouraged for maintenance/ improvement of soil fertility/ texture
• The use shall be in designated areas away from water
• Risk assessment before use is vital to consider the source
• To show that potential risk of disease transmission, weed seed and method of compositing have been considered

15. IRRIGATION
• Water Management:
• Document irrigation plan to optimize water usage/minimize wastage
• Operators/Growers shall be conversant with of soil- water relations concepts.
• This enables water requirements to be accurately estimated
• Optimal water use with minimal wastage e.g. drip irrigation etc.
• Water management may be supported by documentations on calculations of crop
water requirements.
• Operators shall maintain water use records and source permits.
• Operators should undertake water harvesting / recycling on farm.
• This will help reduce dependency on the natural resource for sustainability.
Quality of Irrigation water:
• Operators shall do complete risk assessment of irrigation water sources annually
• For potential microbiological/chemical/ physical pollution of the water sources.
• The analysis shall be done by accredited laboratory.
• Untreated sewage water and effluent shall not be used for irrigation purposes.

16. SESSION FIVE:
CROP PROTECTION, PESTICIDE USE AND PROCUREMENT
Control of Pest and Disease:
• Operator shall source disease free planting materials / certified seeds
• The operator to monitor pest/disease in the farm/ facility.
• This Periodic scouting will ensure early detection of pests/diseases
• This will facilitate timely control/ management( timely action)
• The operator to ensure all activities /tools of work minimize pest & disease risk.
• Operator to employ pest and disease management strategies e.g. IPM
• That are effective/ minimizes on chemical use/that keeps pest levels below
economically damaging thresholds.
• Only registered pest control products /approved shall be used.
• Products shall be chosen to avoid over reliance /continued use of any single
chemical grouping.
• Use of curative (systemic/absorbed by plant) products to be given priority.
• Quantities needed (curative /systemic) to achieve control are much less.
• A competent staff to be responsible for control of pest and diseases.
• Avoid application in adverse whether conditions such as wind, rain etc.

17. Cont.’
Procurement of Pesticides:
Operators should procure pest control products;
• From PCPB Registered sources /accredited accordingly.
• From licensed distributors
• Receipts shall be kept for records (for at least 12 months).
• Register of all pesticides types used in the farm shall be maintained.
Transport of Pesticides and Hazardous Chemicals:
• Written procedures for transportation of pesticides shall be developed and
communicated to staff concerned.
• Pesticides to be transported in a suitable, self- container / separately.
• Not together with food/animal feed / general consumer goods.
• Drivers and turn-boys be trained in emergency procedures,In the event of
accident/ fire, spillage and direct contact with persons.
• Proof of training by a recognized organization be kept
• Vehicles used to transport pesticides be provided with suitable equipments and
materials to deal with emergencies e.g protective clothing, fire extinguishers,
sand shovel, etc.

18. Cont.’
Storage of Pesticide and Hazardous Chemicals:
• Chemical store be of sound structure/locked / well ventilated.
• Chemical store shelves should be made of non-absorbent non-flammable
materials.
• Materials to deal with leakage and spillage are available in store.
• Only approved pesticides in original labeled containers shall in store.
• No other commodities stored with pesticides.
• Storekeepers to receive training regarding pesticide storage, dispensing &
handling procedures.
• Written procedures developed for handling in case of accidents.
• These procedures should be displayed in languages understood by users.
• Stores shall be equipped with adequate/ appropriate firefighting equipment.
• Maintenance records of fire extinguishers be kept

19. Application of Pesticides and Protection of Workers:
• Operators to ensure workers are given information/ instructions/trainings and guidance
necessary to undertake application.
• Spray equipment shall be regularly inspected/well maintained/calibrated by..
• Application equipments shall be dedicated to intended use.
• This is to prevent cross contamination of pesticides
• Operators to wear PPEs suitable for the task at hand.
• PPEs shall have designated area for washing/ drying/storing.
• Appropriate dressing rooms / individual lockers for each worker be provided.
• No pregnant and nursing mothers or < 18 years shall handle pesticides.
Pesticide Application Records:
• The operator shall maintain pesticide application records;
• Crop protection products application records on treated crops
• Detailed spray records on products used
• Record of spray operators
• A spray supervisors log book
• Spraying machines logbook showing calibration checks/ dates etc.
• List of personnel authorized to access pesticide stores.
• Records of all trainings done.

20. DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS, UNWANTED AND EMPTY CONTAINERS
• Written procedures for safe disposal of above to be
developed/approved and communicated to all chemical handlers.
• Disposal shall be in compliance with NEMA requirements
&approved procedures.
• Disposal sites shall be away from surface water/boreholes as per
regulations.
• These sites shall be securely locked /fenced off with marked
warnings.
• Secure storage point for empty containers and ensure non-
exposure to persons.
• Empty containers triple rinsed and punctured/crushed to avoid
reuse
• Agents outsourced for disposals must be approved by NEMA and
PCPB.

21. SESSION SIX:
HARVEST AND POSTHARVEST HANDLING OF PRODUCT, HEALTH, SAFETY AND
HYGIENE
Packaging and Harvesting Containers / Premises:
• There should be hygiene procedure/protocol for handling of produce based on
basis for risk assessment done.
• Produce containers shall strictly be for the produce (not any other use).
• Packaging material to ensure product quality/safety in conformance to the Standard.
• Packaging material storage Procedures to ensure hygiene and cleanliness.
• Commitment to the use of environmentally friendly packaging materials vital.
• Ensure a planned washing program is in place in order to avoid contamination.
• Cleaning material shall be those approved for use and be stored away from foods.
• Cleaning chemicals shall be scent –free
• Temporary/mobile holding/grading facilities to sustain high status of hygiene.
• Personal hygiene facilities e.g. toilets with hand washing facilities provided/ kept clean.
• Operator to ensure that workers comply with hygiene instructions/ observe high STD of
hygiene.
• Smoking/ eating/chewing/ drinking not permitted. Signs displayed to this effect.
• Ensure supervision procedures/training programs are in place

22. Cont.’
PRODUCE RECEIPT AND INSPECTION
Produce Receipt:
• There should be a detailed and precise process flow that ensure that every unit/
batch of produce received is clearly marked.
• This will enable the produce to be easily traced from receipt through handling
process to dispatch point.
• That system should be monitored and reviewed periodically for effectiveness.
• Trained and competent personnel to carry out produce inspection.
• The receiving room for produce should be adequately lit/well ventilated to allow
for physical inspection
• Every unit of produce to maintain identification marks throughout handling
process.
Produce inspection:
• Although inspection of produce for quality is a continuous process but in certain
designated areas, inspection is mandatory at:
a) reception at the pack house; b) during processing
c)final quality check when ready for dispatch: d) loading area

23. Cont.’
PRODUCE HANDLING AND PACKHOUSE HYGIENE
Produce Handling:
• There shall be a smooth flow of produce from reception to finishing area,
• There shall be adequate separation of raw materials from finished products.
• Produce to be processed on a "First In, First Out" (FIFO).
Pack House Hygiene:
• Pack house operations shall be geared towards implementing quality
management systems/GAPs.
• Routine and general cleaning procedures for the facilities/ equipments vital.
• These shall be documented, monitored and evaluated for effectiveness.
• Work tabletops/ knives /cutting boards be of stainless metal/ plastic
construction only.
• The operators to ensure that the workers comply with the hygiene
instructions.

24. Cont.’
HEALTH, SAFETY AND HYGIENE
• Health requirements should be followed to ensure no contamination of fresh
produce.
• Visitors to wear protective clothing and adhere to hygiene practices.
• Clean water to be available for staff/visitors at all times.
• Containers or outlets of water unsuitable for drinking to be appropriately marked.
• Changing rooms/worker-seating areas to have clean toilets & hand washing
facilities.
• The operator to undertake survey of health conditions regularly.
• Staff suffering from any communicable diseases report to their immediate
supervisor.
• Not to work on fresh produce until a medical officer clears them.
• Health and safety training to the workers on the farm to be provided.
• Training records kept and available for audit
• The operator to abide by conditions of Employment Act/and other laws that
affect the welfare of workers.

25. SESSION SEVEN
LABOUR SAFETY, SOCIAL ISSUES AND EMPLOYMENT
Wages:
• All employees are paid at the agreed time and in full.
• Information regarding wages made available to employees in a
detailed and understandable form
• No deductions of any sort other than the statutory requirements
(tax etc.).
• All workers receive equal pay for equal work.
• Where overtime is required due to seasonal demands, payment
must be made.
• Agreed and legally stipulated mid-day and work breaks shall be
observed.
• Employers should make the necessary deductions and remit them

26. RECRUITMENTS, WORK CONTRACTS AND INDUCTIONS
• Staff shall be recruited and promoted based on their ability to perform.
• Female staff shall not be
• Expectant female staff not be dismissed/discriminated against.
• Or not expected to undertake work that may harm the mother or the born child.
• Farm personnel to receive basic/relevant induction/training and orientation.
• All employees/ sub-contracted shall be given a written &legally binding contract
• Contract to be signed by both parties detailing their obligations, rights and
entitlements.
• Employees shall be given their individual job descriptions/ terms and conditions.
• Employers to provide transport/ transport allowance where necessary.
• In every period of seven (7) days, a period of rest comprising at least one rest day
(paid) must be provided.
• All permanent and contract staff shall be entitled to minimum 21 leave days.
• Employees shall be entitled to sick leave granted on production of certified letter
from recognized medical practitioner.

27. FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION / GRIEVIENCE & DISCIPLINARY
PROCEDURES
• Workers representatives shall not be subjected to discrimination.
• Shall have access necessary to carry out their representation functions.
• Farm management shall provide assistance to facilitate workers committees
/union.
• Workers committee/union to participate in collective bargaining.
• Where a union has been formed it shall be registered.
• Can carry out collective bargaining in accordance with the prevailing labor laws.
• Workers have the right to be heard on matters of contractual terms/ general
welfare.
• Clear written farm rules, grievance and disciplinary procedures be developed.
• These shall be implemented/ communicated/ explained to the workers.
• Operators shall have in place formal procedure for solving complaints/disputes
in the workplace.

28. FORCED LABOUR, DISCRIMINATION AND CHILD LABOUR
Forced Labour:
• Operators shall not make use of forced labor.
• Nor have anyone to work against his/her will.
• Workers will not be required to deposits their original IDs with employer.
• Physical harassment/or psychological oppression not be allowed in work place.
• Measures to be in place to prevent such practices.
• Employees to have access to training on equal terms.
Child Labor/Minors:
• No children or minors (persons under 18 years) shall be employed for any duty.
• Exceptions in smallholder operations where young family members may help
out on the farm
• But not at expense of their education.
• Work that is likely to jeopardize the health of children/minors shall not be
carried out.

29. SESSION EIGHT
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
• The operator shall develop an environmental management plan.
• Provide a description of all packaging materials used in the Plan.
• The operator shall carry out environmental impact assessment.
• This shall determine the impact of the intended farming activity on the environment.
• Operator to have sufficient environmental protection procedures in place.
• To demonstrate that no pesticide residues is being disposed into the environment
• Operator to establish system for monitoring/ evaluation of use of water/
pesticides/fertilizers.
• This shall help to safeguard soil/ water/ air.
• Operator to ensure general conservation of the environment.
• To provide auditable records of materials used in product packaging.
• The operator shall document/ implement waste and pollution management plan.
• The plan shall have written procedures for the safe/ hygienic disposal all waste.
• Burning of wastes is prohibited except if done in an approved /controlled manner.
• Disposal of hazardous waste material to be done by a licensed/ authorized company.
• A good agricultural practice (GAP) policy shall be maintained covering all aspects.
• The use of organic manure and composted waste encouraged for maintenance of soil
fertility.

30. SESSION NINE:
LEGAL AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
• Operator is to comply with applicable national laws/ regulations
and any regional and international agreements.
• Operators are to get registration by the relevant regulatory
agency following compliance inspection.
• Arbitrations shall be through national laid down regulations and
procedures.
• Operators of nurseries shall ensure their facilities are registered
by competent authority as per laid down regulations.
• Planting materials offered for sale must be certified healthy, free
from pests and diseases.

31. Thank You!