ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Continuing education is an excellent way to stay up to date on the latest research and practices. The University of Minnesota along with several other organizations are working hard to provide those opportunities to you. Here are just a few of the upcoming training opportunities being offered in January.
Produce Safety Rule: The University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and other partners are hosting a FSMA Produce Safety Rule Grower Training in St. Cloud on January 15, 2020. Register today at www.psp.tix.com. Registration deadline is January 7, 2020. Space is limited. The day begins with check in at 8:30 with the class running from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Do not delay your registration. If your farm is not excluded or exempt from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, at least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must complete a training that uses FDA-recognized curriculum or equivalent. (Read more here to learn whether or not your farm is covered by the Produce Safety Rule.) This course will satisfy this requirement. The cost of the training is $35. (This cost is subsidized and will likely rise in the coming years). Fee includes training materials, lunch, refreshments, and a certificate of attendance.
Fruit and Vegetable Pesticide Safety: The University of Minnesota Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education Program will offer a Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification workshop focused for fruit and vegetable growers. Growers who are not certified but wish to learn more information on pesticide safety are also welcome to attend. This recertification workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 1:00 – 4:30 pm at the St Cloud Regional Extension Office. This workshop is intended for individuals who are currently certified Private Pesticide Applicators whose current certification expires on March 1, 2020. Private Pesticide Applicators are anyone using a restricted use pesticide (RUP) on land they own or rent to produce an agricultural commodity. Private Applicators can attend this workshop for recertification instead of taking a test. The cost to recertify is $75 (payable by CHECK ONLY made to the U of MN) and is good for three years. We ask that you RSVP so we know about how many to expect. Go to this website to RSVP: https://z.umn.edu/2020FruitVegPrivateApplicatorRecert. Workshop payment will be taken at the door. Please bring an official photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, passport or other official document and your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification ID card for workshop registration. Walk-in registration will be taken as well, but preregistration is strongly encouraged. Other individuals may sit in on this workshop but will not be certified. The cost to attend this session without receiving the Private Pesticide Applicator certification is $20.00 payable at the door. We ask that you also RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Northern Growers and Marketers Conference: The Northern Growers and Marketers Conference is hosted by the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, the Minnesota Farmers Market Association, and the Minnesota Apple Growers Association. The conference brings together produce growers and farmers marketers for sessions on fruit and vegetable production, marketing, and more. This conference takes place at the Rivers Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud on January 16-17, 2020. To register go to www.mfvga.org/Registration.php.
If you have questions or would like additional information about any of these opportunities, please reach out to your local Extension Educator. Residents in Stearns, Benton and Morrison Counties can reach out to Katie Drewitz at wins0115@umn.edu or 320-255-6169 ext. 1.
— Katie Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension
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