By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has announced free training sessions for produce growers scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The sessions are designed to support fruit and vegetable producers, along with others interested in produce safety and farm practices.
According to Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, the program focuses on produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and balancing natural resource management with food safety requirements. These topics are essential for producers who want to improve practices while meeting regulatory standards.
One of the key benefits of the program is that attending the training satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement. This rule states that at least one supervisor or responsible party on every farm must complete food safety training recognized as adequate by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Registration is open to growers across the United States, although preference will be given to North Dakota producers. Importantly, produce growers can attend free of charge. Non-produce growers, however, will be invoiced $100 following registration to cover course materials.
The training sessions also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, gain practical insights from experts, and connect with other growers. By addressing critical issues like GAPs and resource co-management, the program aims to strengthen food safety while promoting sustainable farm practices.
With food safety becoming increasingly important in today’s agricultural sector, these training sessions represent a valuable chance for growers to learn, adapt, and meet both consumer and regulatory expectations.
Photo Credit: pexels-aiselin82
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education