In 2013, three initial training opportunities will be offered for produce growers on food safety and good agricultural practices and good handling practices (GAP’s and GHP’s) by the University of Delaware Extension Service. Training covers microbial food contaminants, outbreaks associated with produce, how produce becomes contaminated, Good Agricultural Practices in the field (water sources; animals, manures, and compost; field sanitation; and worker hygiene) and Good Handling Practices from harvest to sales (packing area sanitation, worker hygiene, storage, handling, and shipping).
For growers who have attended previous trainings, we are having a special FDA rule update. The FDA has put forward rules that will affect all growers who sell wholesale. This update session will go over each aspect of the proposed rules and how they will affect your business. All wholesale growers are encouraged to attend.
Initial training sessions at county extension offices and DDA will be as follows:
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
March 15, 2013 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Call (302) 831-2506 to register.
KENT COUNTY
March 20, 2013 9-12 p.m. & 12-3 p.m.
Call (302) 730-4000 to register.
SUSSEX COUNTY
March 12, 2013 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Call (302) 856-7303 to register.
Special update sessions on FDA rule affecting produce growers:
KENT COUNTY
March 21, 2013 9 a.m. – Noon
Call (302) 730-4000 to register.
SUSSEX COUNTY
March 19, 2013 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Call (302) 856-7303 to register.
More information can be found at: http://extension.udel.edu/ag/agriculture-and-natural-resources/2013-produce-food-safety-trainings/