A picking apparatus having at least one holder movable in a working direction. The holder has at least one conveying device with a front gathering region. The produce bearing plants come in contact with the conveying device in the front gathering region. The conveying device is operable to gather and transport plants in at least one conveying direction. The conveying direction extend in a straight or substantially straight line and transverse or substantially transverse to the working direction. The picking apparatus also has a picking gap defined behind the conveying device, wherein the plants are guided through the picking gap while separating the produce.