In November, the Penn State Extension will offer an online course to help produce growers meet the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

"Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Grower Certification Training" will take place from 10 A.M.–3 P.M. on November 12 and 13, 2024. The cost of the course is $40. Registration is required.

The course is intended to 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 provided in several modules, covering: an introduction to produce safety; worker health, hygiene and training; soil amendments; wildlife, domesticated animals, and land use; agricultural water; and postharvest 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.