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FSMA and PSA Grower Training

• Monday, February 24, 2020, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Good sanitation and post-harvest handling practices are essential to ensure food safety and will improve produce quality and shelf life. 

This training is for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA 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 or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.

What to expect at the PSA Grower Training Course:

The trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules:

1. Introduction to Produce Safety
2. Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
3. Soil Amendments
4. Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
5. Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
6. Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
7. How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key 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.

The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details 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, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm
• Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one
• Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.

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 to their trainer at the end of the course. 

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Contact the CCESC office to request any special accommodations.

Registration and payment are required in advance. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. PayPal or pay by phone.

Can’t pay? Apply for a scholarship on our events page.

Fee

$ 20 - Lunch is provided with cost of registration.

Location

Catskill Food Hub
92 Commerce Drive
Liberty, NY 12754

Last updated February 11, 2020