Set Up an Efficient Wash/Pack Facility
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

The goal of this document is to provide more detail on setting up an efficient wash/pack facility with a focus on farm food safety and maintaining post-harvest quality. Of course, each farm will have unique circumstances and need different pieces of equipment. The idea here is think about the way to use a space to your best advantage. A facility should be set up to wash and move produce efficiently while getting the job done effectively. Whether you are adapting a currently existing space or starting from scratch, you can use this document to plan as close to the ideal situation as possible. You can customize to your specific situation, budget and needs.
The "Ideal" Wash and Pack Facility Layout (pdf; 485KB)

Upcoming Events
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Food Safety Training
March 10, 2026
Newark, NY
Learn about food safety on the farm! This event hosted by the Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Lake Ontario Fruit Team, CCE Wayne County, and the NYS Department of Agriculture, will cover good agricultural practices (GAPs) to help reduce the risk of microbial contamination on the farm, keeping food and consumers safe.
Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar
March 11, 2026
Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!
2026 NYS Processing Vegetable Educational Meeting
March 16, 2026
Batavia, NY
Processing vegetable industry members who grow, manage, or support crop production for Farm Fresh First/Nortera Foods, Seneca Foods and/or Love Beets, are encouraged to sign-up for the 2026 NYS Processing Vegetable Industry Meeting! You will:
- Network at this in-person meeting.
- Learn the results of industry-funded research.
- Have a voice in Cornell research and Extension.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 1a, 10, and 23.
2.0 Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits available.