The Euro Fruits Sampling Protocol is based on Annexure 9 of the APEDA Grape Export Regulation August 2004. The Regulation Document can be accessed at www.apeda.com

The Euro Fruits Sampling Protocol is also based on Indian Standard IS: 11380 (Part I) – 1985 Method for Sampling for the Determination of Pesticides Residues – Part 1 Agricultural Food Commodities - as pronounced by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

The Euro Fruits Sampling Protocol also seeks guidance from the European Community Directive 2002/63/EC of July 11, 2002 establishing Community methods of sampling for the official control of pesticides residues in and on products of plant and animal origin.

As every plot has a unique crop protection application cycle, as per fruit pruning date, every plot is considered as single homogeneous unit for sampling.

Typical one plot size in table grape farms in India is from half acre to two acres. The sampling unit would one well formed typical export quality full bunch. The sample quantity of about 12 kilogram per one-hectare plot as prescribed in the APEDA Regulation. This quantity is higher than that stated in Table 4 Item 1.3.of the EC Directive dated July 11, 2002.

For taking the most representative sample, a detailed row number and vine number based sampling plan is drawn by Euro Fruits for all plots in advance. The samplers are instructed to draw samples from the specific vine/ row numbers as per the matrix stated in sampling document.

The Euro Fruits sampling team leaders and samplers are specially trained in the concepts representative sampling, traceability etc.

The sample bunch is placed into a plastic bag usually used for export packing. All the packing system for sample bunches is on similar basis that is used for commercial export consignments.

Dedicated pre-printed pre-labelled cartons are used for sample packing. The cartons contain declarations like “Not meant for Human Consumption”, “For Pesticides Residues Analysis Only” etc. The business panel of the carton provides enough space for stating the grower track code consisting of farmer code number, plot code number and date code along with pre-printed Euro Fruits name/ address information.

Euro Fruits has developed a dedicated transport system for expeditious transportation of the samples to the testing laboratory. The weekly sampling schedule with plot numbers is developed and communicated to the testing lab for the logistics and test process planning.

As per the APEDA Regulation, the approved laboratory representatives draw the samples. Euro Fruits would provide all the necessary logistics and administrative support for the sample drawal process. All the sampling process would be done in the presence of Euro Fruits representatives and the concerned farmer.

Euro Fruits would provide full details of crop protection products applications of each plot to the laboratory prior to drawal of samples. This would enable the laboratory to develop specific tests relevant to the plot.