JACKSON, Mich. — Did you know that there is a provision within the FSMA Produce Safety Rule that requires growers to attend an officially registered training program to learn about the FSMA Produce Safety laws? Good News — there’s a FREE training coming to a city near you!!
Whether you know all about the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), or are unsure the rule applies to your farm, attending a Produce Safety Training program is a smart move!
MSU Extension is offering another season of FREE one day trainings specifically for Michigan fresh produce growers. A total of six one-day workshops will be held around the state between the months of October and March, and growers must register to attend, as space is limited. These trainings are designed to explain the “should and musts” within the Produce Safety Rule – to help growers comply with the rule. The course as well as the free reference materials will provide information about the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, how to manage your operation to reduce risks associated with fresh produce contamination, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.
Day-long Course Schedule (subject to change):
- 9 a.m. Registration
- 9:30 a.m. Training
- 12 p.m. Lunch (On Own)
- 1:15 p.m. Training
- 4 p.m. Evaluation, certificate application
The following required modules will be included:
- Introduction to Produce Safety
- Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Soil Amendments
- Wildlife, Domestic Animals, & Land Use
- Agricultural Water
- Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation
- How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: At least one supervisor from the farm must complete the food safety training. A limited number of classes are planned, and each class is limited to a maximum of 40 attendees. Registration closes five days prior to the event or until full.
Preregistration is required!
To register for a training, go to: https://events.anr.msu.edu/20192020PSACourses/
WHY: This PSA Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22(c), which 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.’ The certificate of course completion will be issued at a later date when all paperwork has been reviewed. Participants must attend all seven modules to obtain certification.
WHEN/WHERE: Choose from one of the following training dates or locations:
October 28, 2019 – Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Resort
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
November 7th, 2019 – East Lansing, MI
Greenstone Farm Credit Services
3515 West Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823
December 9, 2019 – Grand Rapids, MI
Amway Grand Hotel
187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 **Coincides with the Great Lakes Fruit, Veg, Farm Market, and Greenhouse Growers Expo
January 16, 2020 – Capac, MI
Holly Meadows Banquet Center
4855 Capac Road Capac, Michigan 48014
February 19, 2020 – Vicksburg, MI
MSU Extension Vicksburg
101 S. Main St Vicksburg MI 49707
March 19, 2020 – Negaunee, MI
Marquette County MSU Extension
184 US-41, Negaunee, MI 49866
Funding Statement: **Funding for this program was made possible by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in the program do not necessarily reflect the official policies if the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.
— Michigan State University Extension
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