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Crops must be harvested at a certain stage of readiness to ensure that the consumer will be willing to pay for them - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
Crops must be harvested at a certain stage of readiness to ensure that the consumer will be willing to pay for them. 4.1.1 Why is it important that crops should be ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Crops must be harvested at a certain stage of readiness to ensure that the consumer will be willing to pay for them - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Why is it important that crops should be harvested at the correct stage?
Answer
Crops must be harvested at the correct stage to ensure optimal quality and market acceptability. Harvesting too early can result in poor flavor and texture, leading to low consumer satisfaction and decreased market value. Conversely, harvesting too late may lead to spoilage and waste, reducing the overall yield and profitability for producers. Therefore, timing directly impacts consumer willingness to pay a fair price.
Step 2
Name FOUR aspects that a producer should take into consideration to ensure that fresh agricultural products of high quality reach consumers in the best possible condition.
Answer
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Maturity Stage: Ensure that crops are harvested at their peak ripeness for maximum flavor and quality.
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Storage Conditions: Consider temperature and humidity control during storage to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
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Transport Methods: Select appropriate transport means that minimize damage and maintain product quality during transit.
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Market Timing: Align the harvest and delivery schedules with market demand to maximize marketability and consumer interest.