Produce Safety Grower Training

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Course Description

The Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course provides a comprehensive foundation in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Developed through a national collaboration of produce growers, extension educators, researchers, industry representatives, and government personnel, this course emphasizes the integration of food safety and environmental management goals.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for fruit and vegetable growers, harvesters, packers, cooler/holders, and anyone interested in learning about the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR), GAPs, and the co-management of natural resources and food safety.

Course Requirements

Completing this course fulfills the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement specified in CFR 21-112.22(c), which states that "at least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must have successfully completed food safety training equivalent to that received under a standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."

Benefits of Attending

Participants will:

• Understand microorganisms relevant to produce safety and their potential locations on the farm.
• Learn to identify microbial risks, implement risk-reducing practices, and apply produce safety measures on the farm.
• Gain knowledge of the components of a Farm Food Safety Plan and how to start creating one.
• Familiarize themselves with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements.
• Receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) verifying course completion.

Remote Course Delivery

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is offering remote Grower Trainings via Zoom indefinitely. In-person courses will be provided upon request only. 

The Remote Grower Training Course will be conducted over two days via Zoom from 7:45 AM to 1:30 PM each day. Attendance for both sessions is required to receive your Certificate of Course Completion from AFDO.

Participants must have:

• A computer with reliable internet access, a webcam, a microphone, speakers, and all course materials. 
• A computer with internet and webcam capabilities is required. A mobile device may be used for audio only. 
• You must have your video on and actively participate in online discussions during the course.
• The ability to be visible to presenters through video and engage in online discussions.

Scheduled Grower Training Courses

Remote PSA Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Grower Training Courses are offered monthly throughout the year.

Registration

A password is required for the remote registration. Please contact [email protected] to receive password.

To register for a course, please follow the links to the registration forms below. 

For any questions or additional information, please contact Norman Barnett at [email protected] or 602-542-0978.

2024 Registration

• November 19th & 20th
• December 10th & 11th 

2024 Completed Trainings

• January 9th & 10th, Remote
• February 27th & 28th, Remote
• March 12th & 13th, Remote
• April 16th & 17th, Remote
• May 21st & 22nd, Remote
• June 25th & 26th, Remote
• July 23rd & 24th Remote
• August 21st and 22nd Remote
• September 24th & 25th Remote
• October 16th & 17th Remote