POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Fruit and vegetable growers can meet training requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) at workshops in southeastern Missouri in July, August and December.
FSMA includes rules to reduce the risk of produce contamination during growing, harvesting and packing, said Sarah Denkler, University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist. The rules set standards related to water quality, use of manure and compost, and worker health and hygiene.
The one-day workshops cover how to identify risks, best practices to reduce risks, key parts of the FSMA’s produce safety rule, and how to develop a farm food safety plan.
All workshops are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Advance registration required. The $20 fee, payable upon registration, includes a training manual and lunch. Register by phone at 573-686-8064 or in person at the MU Extension Center in Butler County, 614 Lindsay Ave., Suite 3, Poplar Bluff.
Dates and locations
July 6, Sikeston. Amanzi Farms, 1 Amanzi Lane. Register by July 3.
Aug. 23, Doniphan. U.S. Forest Service Eleven Point Ranger District, 4 Confederate Ridge Road. Register by Aug. 20.
Dec. 7, Kennett. Three Rivers College-Kennett, 1002 Greatwest Drive. Register by Dec. 3.
Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials that verifies they have attended the course, which fulfills training requirements of the FSMA produce safety rule. Certificates are issued to individuals who attend the course and do not stay with the farm or organization if those individuals leave.
— Curt Wohleber, University of Missouri Extension
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