AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU), along with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and the Center for Rural Affairs, will be hosting an on-farm food safety field day for fruit and vegetable growers on Thursday, September 28 from 4:00-8:00PM at the Buske farm near Fort Dodge. The field day will focus on new requirements for fruit and vegetable growers under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Guests will learn more about FSMA regulations and trainings, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training, and food safety record-keeping. Guests also will have a chance to observe an on-farm food safety inspection. An evening meal will be provided for field day participants.
“Any Iowa farmer who grows or handles produce should be up to speed on FSMA and how these new rules will impact their farming operation,” said IFU Food Safety Coordinator Ronald Tigner. “Even if they think their farm may be exempt from the new rules, many produce buyers will be using FSMA as the new food safety standard for their growers. This field day will provide a good overview about what FSMA will mean for your farm and what practical steps farmers will need to take to get trained and implement good on-farm food safety practices.”
Field day presenters include:
- Shannon Coleman, extension specialist with the ISU Department of Food Sciences and Human Nutrition.
- Joe Hannan, horticulture specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Joe will lead discussions on produce safety, demonstrate an on-farm food safety inspection, and share information on the latest trends for hoop house production.
- Anna Johnson, policy program associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. Anna will give a presentation on the upcoming 2018 Farm Bill and its relevance for fruit and vegetable growers.
WHAT: Food Safety Field Day for Fruit & Vegetable Growers
WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 2017, 4:00-8:00 PM (evening meal provided)
WHERE: Buske Farm, 1550 Madison Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA
Directions from Fort Dodge: From the junction of US Hwy 169 and IA Hwy 7 on the northwest side of Fort Dodge, proceed north on Hwy 169 for 2 miles. Turn east (right) onto 170th Street (County Rd D14). Travel east 0.4 mile to Madison Avenue. Turn north (left) onto Madison Avenue. Go 1.5 miles, then turn east (right) into the farm lane for the Buske Farm at 1550 Madison Avenue.
THE FIELD DAY IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. An evening meal will be provided to guests.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 26 to Ronald Tigner, rtigner@
For more information on FSMA and food safety rules and trainings, please visit the food safety resource page on the IFU website: iowafarmersunion.org/food-
— The Iowa Farmers Union
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