Dr. Paul Priyesh Vijayakumar collaborated with the Kentucky Horticulture council and the UK’s Food Connection and conducted two field days, in Winchester and Pembroke, KY with a focus on FSMA Agricultural (pre-harvest/Irrigation) water. The field days introduced a system for accurate, affordable, and timely testing of agriculture water samples for Kentucky’s produce growers. We provided information on accuracy in sampling, development of skills to interpret test results, and strategies for corrective action if agriculture water sample results exceed regulatory standards. The use of two different water treatment equipment, chlorinator and a UV filter were demonstrated. Information from the field days will aid producers in achieving regulatory compliance and facilitate their access to new opportunities by responding to food safety market demands. We had 113 registered participants at both the events. 

Winchester, Kentucky 

The program evaluation was completed by 20 participants (23 total participants), results showed significant increase in knowledge on all the topics covered during the field day. Seventy percent of the attendees responded that the program was very useful.  

Pembroke, Kentucky

We did not have a formal program evaluation form for the field day at the Fairview Produce Auction that had about 90 farmers (according to the sign in sheets, probably over 100 total). We passed out our recent publications on FSMA Agricultural water and had great interaction with at least 50 growers individually, most of whom did the PSA Grower training conducted by Dr. Paul Priyesh Vijayakumar. Most growers were knowledgeable with how FSMA applies to their operation. The UV filter and peracetic acid were great props to get people to the booth and as points of discussion.