The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a federal law transforming the nation’s food safety system. As part of this law, the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption commonly known as the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) establish science-based minimum standards for safely growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption. The final rule took effect on January 26, 2016, and is a key element in the FDA’s efforts to enhance food safety nationwide.

To comply with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, growers are required to participate in Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training. The rule mandates that at least one supervisor or responsible party from each farm complete food safety training equivalent to the standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA and delivered by qualified trainers.

As part of Kentucky’s workforce development in produce safety, Dr. Paul Priyesh and Kelly Jackson (Extension associate - Christian County), PSA Lead Trainers for the state, along with their produce safety team, conducted seven PSA Grower Trainings , five virtual and two in-person across Kentucky between July 2024 and June 2025. A total of 107 participants successfully completed the program, including 61 men and 46 women. These participants represented diverse communities, such as members of the Amish and Mennonite populations (30), Black growers (24), and white growers (53).

Pre-test results showed that 27% of participants scored 75% or higher. Following the training, post-test results demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge, with 77% of participants achieving scores of 75% or higher, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in advancing both regulatory compliance and workforce development in Kentucky’s produce industry.