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? If your farm is in Michigan, you and/or your workers can attend these trainings for FREE! 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!
The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team recently announced that they are offering three additional training opportunities this winter and spring. These FREE one-day trainings, offered via the internet during the off-season, allow growers to attend from the comfort of their own homes! Trainings are available in February and March and participants must register to attend, as space is limited. These trainings are designed to explain the “shoulds and musts” within the Produce Safety Rule – which will help growers work towards compliance with the rule. The 8-hour training course includes free reference materials and 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):
- 8:30 a.m. Registration & Orientation
- 9:00 a.m. Training
- 12ish p.m. Lunch
- 4:30 p.m. Course evaluation, application for certificate
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 available, and each class is limited to a maximum of 20 attendees. Registration closes two weeks prior to the event or until full.
WHEN/WHERE: Choose from one of the following training dates:
- Feb. 9, 2021
- February 16, 2021
- February 23, 2021
- March 9, 2021
- March 16, 2021
- March 23, 2021
Pre-registration is required!
Registration information is available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/agrifood_safety/psa-training
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.
— Michigan State University Extension
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