Penn State Extension will offer a virtual, live webinar in April to help produce growers meet the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

The two-day webinar, titled, "Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Grower Certification Training" will take place on April 8–9, 2025 from 10:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. EST, online. It will provide a foundation of knowledge about Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources and food safety, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and how to develop a farm food safety plan.

Instruction will be given through several modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use
• Agricultural Water
• Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation.

Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training. To receive a certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

The cost of the course is $40. Registration is required by April 1, 2025.