About the course
The Food Safety Grower Training curriculum has been specifically designed to provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices knowledge that includes emphasis on co-management of food safety and environmental management goals, while outlining the requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. It was developed through a nationwide collaboration including produce growers, extension educators, researchers, produce industry representatives and government personnel.
Who Should Attend?
The Grower Training Course is for fruit and vegetable Growers, Harvesters, Packers, Cooler/Holders and others interested in learning about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR), Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources, produce safety & food safety.
The course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in CFR 21-112.22(c) that requires 'At least one supervisor or responsible party from 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 (FDA).'
Benefits of Attending the Course
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 reduces 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
Receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) verifying completion of course
The Deliverable
The course will teach attendees who manage food safety programs and/or food safety professionals the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule. The personnel responsible for food safety will then take the course information back to their respective operations and implement the necessary Produce Safety Rule requirements. The food safety professional can then ensure their operation understands and implements the practices outlined in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. The course will also help the food safety professional define the specific backup documentation that will be needed to comply with the Produce Safety Rule.
Please contact Norman Barnett at Nbarnett@azda.gov or 602-542-0978 with any questions or concerns.
Register here: https://agriculture.az.gov/plantsproduce/food-safety-modernization-act