SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Department of Agriculture is pleased to offer the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training remotely. Remote classes are a temporary option developed by the PSA to serve growers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The class is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in attending the course, please register soon. If the class becomes full, please join the waitlist, and to be notified of future course offerings.
Remote Delivery Requirements
- Participants must have a computer or mobile device with two-way video and audio capabilities (a webcam).
- Access to strong internet connectivity – at least receiving 2.5 and sending 3.0 Mbps. Internet speeds can be tested at SpeedTest.
Participant attendance and engagement will be monitored regularly by instructors. In order to successfully complete the training, which is required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, and to receive the certificate of completion for the course, participants must be actively engaged and in attendance for all modules.
Who should attend?
Produce growers, buyers, and anyone interested in learning about:
- Best food safety practices for growing, harvesting, handling, and packing produce
- Key requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule
- Foundations of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
- Co-management of natural resources and food safety
Even if your farm or operation isn’t covered by the rule (use our online tool to check here) this low-cost, up-to-the-minute training is a great opportunity for anyone growing, harvesting, handling or packing covered produce.
What to expect
Trainers will spend the course time covering information from the following modules:
- Introduction to produce safety
- Worker health, hygiene, and training
- Soil amendments
- Wildlife, domesticated animals, and land use
- Agricultural water testing and analysis
- Post-harvest handling and sanitation
- How to develop a farm food safety plan
Benefits of attending
In addition to the certificate of completion ($35 value) and the Grower Training Manual ($50 value), individuals who participate in a certified PSA Grower Training course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:
Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm
How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm
Components of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one
Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to align your operation with them
Questions?
Contact Harry Short at harry.short@oda.oregon.gov
Upcoming Course
December 1-2
Get more information and register here
— Oregon Department of Agriculture
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