Enhance food safety practices with training

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is offering a free, full-day training session for produce growers to enhance their knowledge of food safety practices and comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

The session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, and will be conducted remotely to accommodate participants statewide and beyond.

This training is particularly beneficial for fruit and vegetable growers and those interested in learning about produce safety. The course will address essential topics such as the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the integration of natural resource management with food safety.

According to the Department of Agriculture, this session fulfills the FSMA requirement for a supervisor or responsible farm party to complete FDA-approved food safety training.

Registration for the session is free for produce growers. Non-produce growers are also welcome to attend but will be invoiced $100 to cover course materials. The training session runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m., and includes a 30-minute lunch break.

Key topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to produce safety
• Worker health, hygiene, and training
• Soil amendments and their safe use
• Wildlife, domesticated animals, and land management
• Agricultural water management practices
• Postharvest handling and sanitation
• Developing a farm food safety plan

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and its requirements. The session also allows time for questions and discussion, enabling participants to share their experiences and address specific concerns.

This training is an excellent opportunity for growers to enhance their food safety practices, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving produce handling. To register for the session, visit the official registration page at https://forms.office.com/g/Ct33hhgg5z.

 By participating in this comprehensive session, attendees will gain valuable insights into produce safety, equipping them to implement best practices and ensure high-quality, safe produce for consumers.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-valentinrussanov