Free Produce Safety Training in North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is offering a full-day produce safety training session on February 11, 2026. This free event supports fruit and vegetable growers in learning essential food safety practices, understanding national regulations, and meeting important training requirements under federal law.

The session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open to participants from across the United States.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encourages all produce growers and anyone involved in food production to attend. He explains that the training covers key topics such as produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the co-management of natural resources and food safety.

These topics help growers improve farm operations and protect consumers through safer growing, harvesting, and handling practices.

The training also satisfies a major FSMA requirement. The Produce Safety Rule states that every farm must have at least one supervisor or responsible person who completes food safety training recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

This session meets that standard, giving growers a simple and accessible way to stay compliant while improving their knowledge.

Registration is open to anyone in the United States, but priority is given to North Dakota growers. Produce growers may attend at no cost. Non-produce growers, educators, and other participants may register but will be invoiced $100 to cover course materials.

This makes the program accessible while ensuring all participants receive the necessary resources for the course.

Growers attending the session can expect practical, research-based information that supports safe production and strengthens their understanding of federal guidelines.

The training provides an important opportunity for new and experienced growers to stay updated with changing regulations, gain confidence in food safety practices, and support consumer trust in fresh fruits and vegetables.

More information, including registration details, is available online. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up early, especially those located outside North Dakota.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov