The Citrus Packhouses learning material repackages the Citrus Postharvest and Citrus Packing modules to address particular needs for training permanent and seasonal packhouse workers.

The content of this learning material is based on audio-visual media produced by the Citrus Academy.
© Citrus Academy NPC | 1^st edition 2022.

Module 1 presents an overview of citrus production and picking, as well as the packhouse process flow. It also touches on the importance of objective research and extension services to support the industry in maintaining standards required by export markets.

Module 2 discusses packhouse infrastructure, and considers the ways infrastructure requirements can be met where external infrastructure is not readily available. It also looks at the importance of packhouse planning, and covers packhouse employment and automation too.

Module 3 introduces the importance of workspace sanitation in the packhouse, including the importance of pre-sorting and the removal of infected fruit. It also discusses the various cleaning and sanitising procedures utilised in a packhouse, including the importance of personal hygiene and recordkeeping.

Module 4 looks at receiving and weighing processes, packhouse delivery inspection, and the methods employed to prepare fruit for export, namely drench, de-greening, pre-sorting and fruit washing.

Module 5 covers fruit treatments, which include fungicide and wax treatments. It also looks at fungicide resistance.

Module 6 looks at the various factors that determine the sorting, grading and sizing of fruit to meet export standards.

Module 7 discusses the various packing materials used in a packhouse, and the specifications that determine the quality of these materials. It also looks at the different packing practices, including those utilised by automated packing machines. Lastly, it covers the various practices and patterns of palletisation and marking.

Module 8 discusses the various accreditations, assessments, systems and inspections required to manage quality in a packhouse.

Review Export Standards in Module 6 - Sorting and Grading.

Module 9 looks at the role the Citrus Growers’ Association plays in the logistics chain, as well as the various components that make up the cold chain, for example, road transport, cold stores and port services.