In November, Penn State University (PSU) Extension will offer webinar course to help produce growers meet the food safety requirements outlined in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FDA’s FSMA).

The two-day event, called, "Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Grower Certification Training" will take place from 10 A.M.–3 P.M. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, and from 10 A.M.–3 P.M. on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, online.

The course is intended fruit and vegetable growers, and others who are interested in foundational information about Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources and food safety, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and how to develop a farm food safety plan. The grower training course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement (§112.22.c).

Instruction will be provided in several modules: introduction to produce safety; worker health, hygiene, and training; soil amendments; wildlife, domesticated animals, and land use; agricultural water; and postharvest handling and sanitation.

Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training. To receive a certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

The cost of the course is $35. For details and registration, visit PSU Extension’s website or call 877-345-0691.