Charleston Produce Safety Rule Grower Training

2700 Savannah Highway,Charleston SC 29414

29 September, 2021

Description

To help growers prepare for Produce Safety inspections, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with Clemson Extensio ** Please note - In the event that we are not able to offer this course in-person due to COVID-19, we will move to remote delivery over the course of two days - Sept 29th 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM and Sept 30th 1:00PM - 5:30 PM. We will contact registrants in advance if we have to move to remote delivery. ** Who Should Attend Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’ 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 SafetyWorker Health, Hygiene, and TrainingSoil AmendmentsWildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land UseAgricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)Postharvest Handling and SanitationHow to Develop a Farm Food Safety PlanIn addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. **Snacks and Lunch will be provided. Please note of any food allergies or preferences.** 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. Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of: Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farmHow to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farmParts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing oneRequirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them.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. Additional Information For more information about scheduled PSA Grower Training Courses, please visit the PSA website at http://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu.  For questions, please contact Brooke Horton, SCDA Produce Safety Outreach Coordinator at (803) 351-1244 or [email protected] or Chad Carter, Clemson Extension Produce Safety Grower Training Coordinator at (843)730-5211 or [email protected]. **Funding for this statement, publication, press release, etc. was made possible in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States.** Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. #scpsr