Traveling Food Processing/Educational Trailer

Traveling Food Processing/Educational Trailer

Summary

The project goal was changed from selling prepared food at county fairs and other mainstream events to processing in a mobile trailer. The following are some challenges that we have faced in setting up a processing trailer.

We have met the following goals: developed and printed a guide of growers; contacted growers and set up on-farm demonstrations to make jam, freeze green beans, freeze strawberries, and make apple pies; and publicized the project in various newsletters and at meetings.

Licensing is an issue because we will have to have separate inspections on each farm before we process on each farm. Each farm will have water tested for potability. We were not aware that there would be an issue with water disposal. Water used for washing produce must be tested for pesticides and bacteria before being spread on fields. Because we are planning to wash and process organic food, we have found a way to collect the water and use it for irrigation on the farm. But grey water from the sink will still present a problem and require separate testing and disposal at each location. We may have to pay for waste water disposal, and we will need approval to use a county facility for the waste water.

Hot water for dishwashing is a bigger issue with a processing facility than with a mobile food preparation facility. It will take more hot water to process food that to prepare it, and we will need a special hot water heater.

Our original proposal did not include enough funds for processing equipment. We discovered that we needed funds for packaging machines, freezing equipment, a set of scales, jarring equipment, canning equipment, a water pump, propane tanks, and electricity requirements. Also, the size of the oven and stove top needs to be increased so that it is economical for a producer to use the trailer for processing.

Liability for the processed goods needs to be the responsibility of the producer, not the organization. The organization could be responsible for liability for foods prepared or sold on-site.

It would be a better situation if the unit was a motor home or bus v. a trailer; however, restrictions in Michigan prohibit the use of a motor home as a food processing facility. It will take separate vehicle insurance to move it each time.

We have had to comply with regulations regarding: weights and measures, advertising, food additives, labeling, rest rooms and hand washing, packaging, testing procedures for biological contamination, identification codes, handling and storage of processed foods on the farm, pricing, and waste water disposal.

In order to process food, there must be a person on the premises that has completed a food safety course administered by the Food Safety Institute. This course is offered once a year in Michigan at Michigan State University in October. It is a one-week course and deals with the requirements for thermal processing and food safety. The project coordinator took the course and is qualified to oversee a processing facility and operation. However, the farmer will need to take this course in order to process on his farm.

Despite the change in direction and challenges involved in processing in a mobile trailer, we are accomplishing the goals of the project. We still believe it will be an economical way for small farms to find ways of increasing farm incomes.

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