Which of the following is a risk to assess before planting a fresh produce site?

• A. Field location features, such as topography and water movement
• B. Market demand for crop
• C. Equipment maintenance records
• D. Owner education level

Answer: (A)

Assessing risk before planting a fresh produce site focuses on how the land itself can influence contamination risk, especially through water movement. Field location features like topography and drainage determine where runoff or irrigation water will travel, where ponding might occur, and how quickly any contaminants could reach edible crops. A site with favorable slope and drainage minimizes contact between produce and potential contaminants carried by water, reducing contamination risk. Market demand, equipment maintenance records, and owner education level affect operations or management but do not directly evaluate the physical risk of contamination at the field level.