Pulaski County CES

Title:

Food Safety for Commercial Growers (FSMA)

MAP:

Food Safety for Fruit and Vegetable Producers

Agents Involved:

Wilson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Commercial

Situation:

With the passing of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), some commercial growers now find themselves under Federal regulation for the first time. Many others will be exempt from the law but must go through a new training called Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT), a sanctioned UK training for all others not covered by FSMA.

Extension will play a key role in training growers, both exempt and non-exempt, to comply under the law.

Long-Term Outcomes:

All growers will have the needed information to make food safety decisions on the farm and successfully market their crops long-term.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Commercial growers of fruits and vegetables who need the FSMA training will receive it. They will make changes to their operations to reduce the risk of contamination.

Initial Outcomes:

Commercial growers will learn whether they are affected by the law. The will go through the required training if they are covered by the Produce Safety Rule. They will go through Extension-led PBPT training.

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Commercial fruit and vegetable growers

Project or Activity: PBPT training

Content or Curriculum: PBPT curriculum

Inputs: powerpoints

Date: winter 2023-2024

Audience: Commercial fruit and vegetable growers

Project or Activity: electronic newsletter

Content or Curriculum: PBPT curriculum, FSMA information, Produce Safety Alliance website

Inputs: Survey Monkey

Date: throughout the year

Success Stories