Food safety training is available online this summer for fresh produce growers.
Upcoming food safety webinars planned for Kansas produce growers
Several training opportunities set for summer
May 28, 2020
OLATHE, Kan. – Farmer’s markets and other fresh produce sales venues had a slow start this season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many are now opening to the public.
To help produce growers keep up with the best food safety practices and regulations, K-State Research and Extension is hosting online training sessions this summer. The sessions are sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
- June 23, 3 p.m. – Introduction to Produce Safety Rule Coverage & Exemptions – Free – For farmers who grow, harvest or pack fresh produce. It will cover how the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce safety laws may affect your produce farm.
- July 9, 3-4:30 p.m. – Cleaning and Sanitizing for Produce Growers – Free – Includes videos, information sharing, and time for questions and answers.
- July 14, 6:30-8 p.m. – repeat of Cleaning and Sanitizing for Produce Growers – Free.
- July 15 and July 22, 1-5 p.m. – FSMA Produce Safety Alliance Training – $20 - Attend entire eight-hour training to get an Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) certificate. Requires a video camera on your device.
- July 29, 3-5 p.m. – Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Food Safety Plan Workshop – $5 - Learn requirements to get USDA GAP certified and to create a food safety plan. Templates and record examples will be provided. Note that GAPs cost share funds are still available to Kansas produce growers.
More information and registration are available on the Extension Food Safety web page or by contacting Cal Jamerson at agri@ksu.edu or 913-307-7394.
