North Dakota hosts safety training

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is set to host a free training session aimed at enhancing the safety and compliance of produce growers throughout the state. This session is designed to educate participants on critical aspects of produce safety, including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the co-management of natural resources and food safety. 

Scheduled for January 15, 2025, the session will be conducted remotely and is open to produce growers from all over the United States. While the session is free for produce growers, non-produce attendees will be charged a fee of $100 to cover the costs of course materials. 

The training will cover a range of essential topics:

• An introduction to produce safety
• Worker health, hygiene, and training
• Soil amendments
• Managing wildlife, domestic animals, and land use
• Agricultural water management
• Postharvest handling and sanitation
• Developing a farm food safety plan

Each topic is designed to provide practical guidance aligned with FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, offering attendees the knowledge needed to implement effective safety practices on their farms. The session also includes opportunities for discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and share their experiences regarding produce safety.

The training fulfills the FSMA requirement that at least one supervisor or responsible party from each farm complete recognized food safety training. By attending this session, growers will not only meet this regulatory requirement but also gain valuable insights into improving food safety on their operations.

The session will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, starting with registration at 8:30 a.m. There will be a 30-minute lunch break included.

Participants interested in this comprehensive training session can register online at the link provided. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that produce sold in North Dakota and beyond is safe and healthy for consumers.

Photo Credit:       gettyimages-valentinrussanov