All produce growers who did not attend voluntary produce food safety (GAP/GHP) training sessions in 2009 are encouraged to do so in 2010. This training program is offered by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, and the certificate is issued by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Trainings are also sponsored by the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware. This certification program satisfies wholesale buyer requirements that growers attend GAP/GHP training. Smaller growers that do not market wholesale are also encouraged to be certified and learn about best ways to keep produce safe from food borne pathogens.
Growers that do limited wholesale and mostly direct market will only need to do 3 hours of training.
Growers that do significant wholesale must attend 6 hours of training to be certified.
Remaining Certification Sessions in 2010:
KENT COUNTY
Small growers (limited wholesale): Certification session at the Profiting from a Few Acres Conference (3 hour training), will be rescheduled for fall (February conference was canceled because of snow).
Contact Gordon Johnson (302) 545-2397 gcjohn@udel.edu for more information
SUSSEX COUNTY
Wholesale growers:
Session 1 – March 11, 2010, 6-9 p.m.
Session 2 – March 18, 2010, 6-9 p.m.
Both sessions are at the University of Delaware, Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Call (302) 856-7303 to register. Contact Tracy Wootten wootten@udel.edu or Cory Whaley whaley@udel.edu for more information.
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
All growers:
March 9, 2010 – 9 a.m. – noon, with an afternoon session 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. geared toward farmers’ markets for those who are interested.
Wholesale growers:
Second session to complete certification – March 16, 2010, 9 a.m. – noon
Sessions at the New Castle County Extension Office, 461 Wyoming Road, Newark, DE , 19716, Phone (302) 831-2506 to register.
Contact Anna Stoops stoops@udel.edu for more information.