NOTES FOR IN-HOUSE TRAINING

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PICKING MOSSBERRIES-LINGONBERRIES (Latin name- vaccinium vitis-idaea)

Do Not pick berries on polluted ground (industrial sites, railways, waste disposal sites, garbage dumps)
or areas that have been contaminated by fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. The Association
will establish boundaries for harvesters.

Do Not pick berries when it is raining or when it is still wet in the morning.

Do Not wash berries before bringing them for sale, berries must be dry.

Do Not keep berries longer than overnight.

Do Not freeze berries.

Do Not keep berries in plastic bags or pick into plastic bags (they will get squashed and will sweat and
mold and are unacceptable for resale or processing)

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Do pick ripe and firm berries

Do take time to clean berries (remove leaves, moss, soft, green or yellow berries, and other dirt)
this will speed up weighing and sorting and will earn you the best price.

Do keep berries in a safe, cool, dry place if you have to store the berries overnight (children should
not be allowed to handle berries)

Do pick into and transport berries in wooden, cardboard or plastic containers.  Pails and jugs with
handles are excellent for picking.

AT THE WORK CENTRE

Staff will do a final hand sorting and cleaning of the berries

The berries will then be weighed and you will receive cash for the weighed berries

The Centre will not buy green overripe, wet or squashed berries.

The Centre will reduce the price per pound of berries where extensive sorting is required.

GENERAL RULES FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Do not go alone into the woods.  Pick in a group if possible.  Tell someone where you are going.

Carry a whistle and be watchful for bears.  Be aware of your surroundings and try not to get lost.
If you have a problem, use the whistle to alert others of the problem.

Respect the earth and the Creator - don't harm the plants or other growing things.

FOR INFORMATION ON SORTING EQUIPMENT
contact G. Hildebrandt   ph:204-356-8759