Food Safety on the Farm

Steven Borek Farms is committed to growing wholesome vegetables and herbs in accordance to federal and state food safety guidelines. All employees participate in the food safety training provided by the University of Florida. The farm undergoes also third-party audits and routine inspections to insure proper handling and field sanitation.
Steven Borek Farms 5000 square-foot packing house is certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Potential buyers and chefs are always welcome to tour the packing house and green houses.

What does it truly mean to practice sustainable agriculture?
At Steven Borek Farms, we practice sustainable agriculture by using green chemistry that allows us to use organic inputs to grow our crops. Green chemistry is also known as sustainable chemistry that refers to environmentally friendly chemicals and processes that result in decreased waste and pollution. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/greenchemistry.
For decades, the farm has used integrated pest management to decrease its usage of pesticides. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. The farm also grows the right crops in the right places, reducing its dependence on fertilizers and water. Microjet irrigation in the green houses means that more water is conserved.

GAP are voluntary guidelines established to ensure a clean and safe working environment for all employees while eliminating the potential for contamination of food products. Modeled after the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), this program uses the Primus Labs format and third party auditors. GAP addresses the agricultural issues of site selection; adjacent land use; fertilizer usage; water sourcing and usage; pest control and pesticide monitoring; cooler operations, and harvesting practices, including worker hygiene, packaging storage, field sanitation and product transportation. GAP sanitation practices mandate use of extensive sanitation equipment (including gloves, aprons and hairnets), a meticulous cleaning schedule, minimizing human contact with fruit, and a strong emphasis on personal sanitation.

GAP compliance is your guarantee that we are providing the safest, cleanest growing environment possible.