Carrot Project

Proposal: The Carrot Project is part of a food diversification project planting and growing a cross section of vegetables which can be ready throughout the growing season in suitable quantity for distribution to hungry neighbors in need. The Carrot Project needs a viable harvester, cleaning & washing system, capable preparation, handling and packaging. We have trialed the process and delivered carrots in bulk previously, like we do potatoes now - from field to bin - but summarily experienced product rejection of carrots which were done and delivered in this manner. The end delivered product was not washed or packaged for direct end-consumer presentation, as available in grocery markets.

Due to the unavailable of timely volunteers, equipment mechanization is necessary for minimum people power, and have available ample end product. Head-end field equipment is already acquired - tractors, raised bed maker, one row seed planter, bins for harvest, hands-on knowledge of grow production, etc. What remains as need: 1. a mechanized carrot harvester, 2. washing and packaging equipment stations, 3. produce product handling equipment, and 4. a roofed structure and station facility. 

Carrots had been picked from raised field works, into bins, collected and delivered to the food bank. Consumers rejected this 'unfinished' end product. Additional equipment and personell will be used to further process and prepare the carrot product, to like that of, as seen available bagged in grocery stores. The Harvester is needed to provide for timely available carrots, for this 'commercial' processing, end presentation process.