March 24, 2020 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
University of Delaware, Carvel Research and Education Center
16483 County Seat Highway
Georgetown, DE 19947
This event is cancelled. We are exploring options to offer this training online.
This seven-hour course will cover:
- Introduction to Produce Safety
- Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Soil Amendments
- Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
- Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
- Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
- How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan and Recall Planning
In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.
This one-day course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and information on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm, how to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm, and parts of a farm food safety plan and the first steps that should be taken to begin writing one. There will also be updates on produce food safety research and findings, as well as information on On-Farm Readiness Reviews and how to sign up for one.
Who Should Attend?
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor from the farm must complete food safety training at least equivalent to the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA’.
Please note: If your farm is covered under FSMA it is required that at least one supervisor from the farm attends a PSA training course and receives an AFDO certificate of training. Exempt fruit and vegetable growers are still encouraged to attend. Also, the traditional University of Delaware Food Safety Training (GHP/GAP Training) is not a substitute for this course.
After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork.
Register by e-mailing Anna Wicks at anna.wicks@delaware.gov