Carrots value chain

Producers source pelleted carrot seed varieties selected for root uniformity, deep orange colour and nematode resistance. Pelleted seed enables precision planting that reduces thinning labour and ensures even root spacing for consistent sizing.

Carrots are cultivated in deep, loose, stone free soils with consistent moisture to prevent forking, cracking and green shoulder defects. Precise herbicide timing and soil fumigation for cavity spot and Alternaria control are essential for clean root production.

Carrots are mechanically lifted, topped and transferred to bins. Immediate removal from the field prevents greening from sunlight exposure and reduces moisture loss that causes limpness during subsequent handling.

Roots are washed, polished on barrel washers and graded by diameter and length on electronic sizers. Washed and polished carrots attract premium prices over field dirty stock in modern retail environments.

Undersized and misshapen carrots are processed into baby carrot sticks, frozen diced products, juice concentrates and dehydrated flakes. Processing captures value from up to thirty percent of harvest volume that fails fresh market grading.

Washed and packed carrots are distributed through cold chain logistics to retail stores, wholesale markets and food service clients. Consistent temperature management at one degree celsius maintains crispness and colour for up to four weeks of shelf life.