FSMA Produce Safety Training

Course Information

Requirements for the web-based course include:

• High-speed internet connection
• Computer or other appropriate device with webcam and microphone, which must remain functional for the duration of the course, to verify participation of each attendee.
• Course participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.
• Any make-up sections, due to lost internet connection etc. must be coordinated individually with the trainers.
• A hard-copy manual must be shipped to each attendee prior to the course administration. As a result course registration will be closed approximately 7 working days prior to the course date, to facilitate book shipment.

Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors. The temporary policy for live web-based courses can be viewed at the following address: https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/training/covid-19-outbreak-temporary-policy/

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course

The trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module, in addition to learning about best practices in produce safety. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

Benefits of Attending the Course

The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.

After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

In addition to the standard curriculum, Safe Food Alliance will provide additional resources to attendees including:

• A decision tree and other materials to help determine how or if the regulation applies to your farm
• Templates for creating records required by the training
• A calculation tool to aid a small farm in determining if they receive a “qualified exemption”
• A list of allowable water treatment compounds provided by the Produce Safety Alliance
• Tools to assist in conducting water analysis calculations

Registration Includes

• Course Materials
• Course Certificate

Additional Information

For more information about scheduled PSA Grower Training Courses you can reach us at foodsafety@safefoodalliance.com. More FSMA resources are available at https://safefoodalliance.com/resources/food-safety-resources/what-is-fsma/.