Upcoming Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is pleased to offer the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training remotely. Each class consists of two-half day interactive trainings with materials provided. Remote classes are a temporary option developed by the PSA to serve growers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through participation in this class, ODA is also able to offer 3 core pesticide recertification credits for participants if they are a licensed pesticide applicator in the state of Oregon. Each class is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in attending a course, please register soon. If a class becomes full, please join the waitlist to be notified of openings or future course offerings.
Upcoming Courses June 22-23 June 28-29 Click on the dates to register for an upcoming class.
Remote Delivery Requirements
Participants must have a computer or mobile device with two-way video and audio capabilities (a webcam).
Access to strong internet connectivity - at least receiving 2.5 and sending 3.0 Mbps. Internet speeds can be tested at SpeedTest.
Participant attendance and engagement will be monitored regularly by instructors. In order to successfully complete the training, which is required by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, and to receive the certificate of completion for the course, participants must be actively engaged and in attendance for all modules. Who should attend? Produce growers, buyers, and anyone interested in learning about:
Best food safety practices for growing, harvesting, handling, and packing produce
Key requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule
Foundations of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
Co-management of natural resources and food safety
Even if your farm or operation isn't covered by the rule (use our online tool to check here) this low-cost, up-to-the-minute training is a great opportunity for anyone growing, harvesting, handling or packing covered produce. What to expect Trainers will spend the course time covering information from the following modules:
Introduction to produce safety
Worker health, hygiene, and training
Soil amendments
Wildlife, domesticated animals, and land use
Agricultural water testing and analysis
Post-harvest handling and sanitation
How to develop a farm food safety plan
Benefits of attending In addition to the certificate of completion ($35 value) and the Grower Training Manual ($50 value), individuals who participate in a certified PSA Grower Training course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:
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
Components of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one
Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to align your operation with them
Questions? Contact: producesafety@oda.oregon.gov This publication is/ supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007422 totaling $630,000 with 100 percent funded by FDA]/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.