SOP Title: Tray Filling for Microgreen Cultivation

Objective: To standardize the process of filling trays with soil for microgreen cultivation, ensuring uniformity in soil volume and surface preparation for optimal seed germination and growth.

Scope

This procedure applies to all employees involved in the preparation of trays for planting microgreens at [Your Farm Name].

Responsibilities

• Farm Manager: Ensure all materials are available and train staff on the SOP.
• Farm Staff: Follow the SOP for tray filling.

Materials Needed

• Clean, dry top trays (slotted) and bottom trays (unslotted)
• Dry soil, pre-mixed to specification
• Measuring container (3L capacity)
• Soil tamper

Procedure

1. Preparation
   • Ensure all trays are clean, dry, and free from any residual soil or debris. Use only top trays (slotted) and bottom trays (unslotted) as specified by your crop planning.
   • Confirm that the soil is dry and pre-mixed according to your farm's soil specification.
2. Filling the Tray
   • Using the measuring container, scoop 2.5 to 3 liters of dry soil.
   • Gently pour the soil into the tray, ensuring an even distribution across the tray. Avoid dumping the soil in one location to prevent uneven distribution.
3. Leveling the Soil
   • Use your hands to gently smooth the soil across the tray. Aim for a flat and even planting surface. The goal is to create a uniform depth and surface for seed sowing.
   • Use the soil tamper to compress the soil, creating a firm and even planting surface.
4. Stacking the Trays
   • Once a tray is filled and leveled, carefully place it onto a stack.
   • Repeat the filling and leveling process for a total of ten trays, stacking each one on top of the previous.
   • After the tenth tray, cap the stack with one more empty bottom tray (unslotted). This top tray serves to reduce amount of dust coming from the top most tray while in storage.
5. Storage
   • Carefully move the stacked trays to a designated storage area on a rack.
   • Ensure the stack is stable and positioned to prevent tipping or sliding, keeping the planting surface level.
   • The storage area should be clean, dry, and free from pests or contaminants.

Quality Checks

• Verify the soil volume in each tray is consistently between 2.5 to 3 liters.
• Ensure the soil surface is even and level across all trays in a stack.
• Inspect the storage area regularly to maintain cleanliness and organization.

Safety and Compliance

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including gloves and masks, to prevent soil inhalation and minimize contact with potential allergens or irritants.
• Follow all farm safety guidelines, especially when handling soil and moving stacks of trays.

Documentation and Records

• Maintain a log of tray preparation sessions, including the date, number of trays prepared, and the staff member responsible. This documentation will assist in inventory management and operational planning.

Review and Update

• This SOP should be reviewed annually or as needed to incorporate feedback from staff and to adjust to any changes in operational procedures or materials.

SOP Title: Labeling Lids for Product Packaging

Objective: To standardize the process of adhering company product labels to lids, ensuring all product packaging is consistently branded and ready for use on harvest day.

Scope

This procedure is applicable to all employees responsible for preparing product packaging at [Your Farm Name].

Responsibilities

• Packaging Supervisor: Ensure an adequate supply of labels and lids is available and oversee the labeling process.
• Packaging Staff: Adhere labels to lids according to the SOP.

Materials Needed

• Blank lids suitable for product packaging
• Company product labels
• Clean, flat working surface
• Soft cloth or clean, dry sponge (optional, for smoothing out labels)

Procedure

1. Preparation
   • Gather a sufficient quantity of blank lids and company product labels for the labeling session.
   • Ensure the working surface is clean, dry, and free of debris to prevent contamination or damage to the lids and labels.
2. Label Positioning
   • Take one label from the stack. Note the correct orientation of the label relative to the lid it will be adhered to. This ensures brand consistency across all products.
   • Position the label on the lid, aiming to place it centrally and aligned with any lid features (e.g., handle, spout) as applicable.
3. Adhering the Label
   • Carefully press the label onto the lid, starting from one edge and smoothing it towards the opposite edge to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles.
   • If available, use a soft cloth or clean, dry sponge to gently press down on the label, ensuring full adhesion and a smooth finish.
4. Quality Checks
   • Inspect the labeled lid for any air bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignments. If any issues are found, carefully peel the label off and reapply it following the same procedure.
   • Ensure the label is firmly adhered to the lid and is not peeling at any edges.
5. Stacking and Storage
   • Once a lid is successfully labeled, place it in a designated storage area or container.
   • Stack the labeled lids carefully to avoid damaging the labels.
   • Store the labeled lids in a clean, dry area to prevent any damage or contamination before use.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure hands are clean and dry before handling labels and lids to prevent smudging or contamination.
• Follow all relevant safety guidelines to prevent workplace injuries, particularly when handling large stacks of lids or using any tools.

Documentation and Records

• Keep a record of the labeling sessions, including the date, number of lids labeled, and the staff member responsible. This will help in tracking inventory and ensuring sufficient supplies for packaging needs.

Review and Update

• Regularly review this SOP to ensure it meets the current needs of the packaging process. Consider staff feedback and any changes in packaging design or materials in these reviews.
• Update the SOP as necessary to incorporate improvements or address any issues encountered during the labeling process.