If you’re a pool manager, safety and cleanliness are probably right at the top of your job description. But pool operators are also tasked with keeping the pool running and in business, period. Health inspectors play a large role in determining whether a facility must be shut down due to non-compliance or serious

Although waterjet cutting is just now gaining traction in fresh-cut produce facilities, the technology has been around for decades, and it’s making a real difference.

How grave is the current water crisis in the Western U.S.? The water shortage has affected all 22 states west of the Mississippi. In addition, 98 million people in the Southwest are dealing with decreased water availability. California Governor Jerry Brown has announced a mandatory 25 percent cutback in water consumption in all cities, as the drought is already affecting more than 50 million people in the region. It’s no surprise that agricultural output is suffering in the region as a result: Wheat and rice production are already significantly down from annual averages, with fruit and nut production also at risk.

Over the past two decades, one form of drip irrigation technology has rapidly advanced: Subsurface drip irrigation, a low pressure, high efficiency irrigation system that utilizes drip tubes or tape in order to meet specific crop water needs. Ideal for farms in dry, hot and windy regions with limited water supplies, SDI systems run underground, allowing crops to thrive without above-ground impediments.

It’s about quality, not quantity!”

Longtime players in the produce industry know that irrigating a farm with clean, high-quality water can help farms pass audits and lessen vulnerability to recalls. But quantity — the amount of water that you use — should also be a consideration.  

Technology and automation are expected to play a big role in fresh-cut produce facilities of the future.However, when it comes to producing a product that’s both safe and fresh, produce processors must combine the efficiency of these new systems with the expertise of well-educated employees. Fortunately, there are lots of resources employers can use to train their staff in effective fresh-cut safety practices.