One of the biggest concerns of extension agents when working with Farmers Market members is the consideration that what is being produced is safe and healthy for consumers.  One method to help ensure that this happens is by offering the Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT).  PBPT is a training developed by the UK Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Food Systems Innovation Center.  Completion of the training program allows producers to receive a Sampling Certificate through the KDA to allow them to offer sampling of raw fruits and vegetables at KDA Farmers Markets and Farm Bureau Roadside Stands.

Extension Agents attended a train-the-trainer program and then were charged to go back to their county and offer the training to farmers market members.  The training consists of 7 modules: food safety and food microbiology, use of manure on ground used for vegetable production, preventing contamination from water and wildlife, worker hygiene and health, equipment sanitation and post-harvest handling, farm food safety plan and records and traceability, and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  

The training was offered at the Franklin County Extension office in March 2019 with 8 participants.

At the conclusion of the training participants were asked to complete a survey.  When asked if the material covered in the Kentucky PBPT was useful for the plans they have in place for their enterprise, 63% felt that the material was very useful and 25% found it to be somewhat useful.

After attending the training, 12% of survey participants indicated that they felt very confident about addressing and/or reducing the biggest food safety risks to fresh produce on their own farm.  38% of survey participants indicated that they felt somewhat confident.