|
SMMEs involved in the agro-processing industry need to be aware of the environmental aspects and impacts of their businesses. There are several areas small business owners need to look at. These include:
- Suppliers: Agro-processors have to be very vigilant about the raw materials being provided to them. They should be aware of pesticide use by the suppliers as well as storage. Adequate quality control measures are required at this stage.
- Water and Energy: These are valuable natural resources that significantly affect the operating costs of many agro-processors.
- Effluents: This presents a unique challenge due to the high organic content of the effluent.
- Waste: Agro-processors traditionally accumulate a high degree of organic waste. This presents a challenge in climates such as the Caribbean where decay can onset very quickly. This also presents an opportunity to consider alternate products (eg animal feed) and compost.
- Storage: Adequate storage requirements are necessary, as this will affect quality control
http://www.chemalliance.org/Handbook/plant/search.htm
|
