Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Grower Certification Training
- Language
- English
Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Grower Certification Training is for fruit and vegetable growers, and other persons, interested in learning about product safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement (§112.22.c).
Certificate Information
After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.
Not sure if your produce farm is covered under the Food Safety Modernization Act? Visit our Produce Safety Rule resources that explain coverage and exemption guidelines.
- Fruit growers
- Vegetable growers
- Individuals required to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement as outlined in Section 112.22(c)
- Individuals interested in learning about the FSMA, particularly in regards to produce safety
- Introduction to produce safety
- Worker health and hygiene training
- How to use soil amendments
- Wildlife, domesticated animals, and land use
- How to safely and properly use water for agriculture
- Proper postharvest handling and sanitation
- FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements and how to meet them
- How to develop and follow a farm food safety plan
- Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm
- How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm
In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.
COVID-19 Statement
The following required Acknowledgement is presented to all invitees during registration for this event.
COVID-19 Acknowledgment for Participants in Penn State Extension Activities
You agree that as a condition, and in consideration, of your willing and voluntary participation in programs and activities ("Program") hosted by The Pennsylvania State University ("Penn State"):
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You understand that Penn State has issued rules and precautions which follow, or may in some cases exceed, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You agree that it is your sole responsibility to follow these protocols and acknowledge that failure to do so may result in removal from the Program.
As of July 7, 2022, this guidance includes basic health, safety, and sanitation measures (staying home when sick, washing/sanitizing hands often, etc.) in addition to wearing a face mask while in healthcare facilities and certain research facilities and labs.
Per CDC guidance, Penn State may impose additional or alternative requirements, including masking at certain locations, depending on community spread at the Program's location. You agree to comply with any directive from Penn State representatives regarding masking or other mitigation measures while participating in the Program.
You must adhere to these protocols regardless of vaccination status.
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You agree you will not participate in the Program if you are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test or if you recently: (i) have been diagnosed with COVID-19; (ii) have experienced any symptom of illness which may be associated with COVID-19; or, (iii) have been in close contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or has exhibited any symptom of illness which may be associated with COVID-19 or any of its variants.
- If you fall into any of the above categories, you may nevertheless participate in the Program if:
- more than five days have passed since your last close contact or symptom; and,
- you have tested negative for COVID-19 on or after the five-day mark.
- If you fall into any of the above categories, you may nevertheless participate in the Program if:
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You acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and your understanding that, even with adherence to all preventative measures, including vaccination, there is risk that you may become exposed to and/or contract COVID-19. You assume any and all risk of such exposure or infection and acknowledge that it may result in personal injury, illness, severe complications, permanent disability, and/or death.
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