FSMA: Produce Grower Certification Training (PSA)

The course will provide fruit and vegetable growers & processors a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources and food safety information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Even if you are not required to have the certificate, it is excellent food safety training and also coordinates well with GAP certification requirements.

The PSA certified trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering content contained in these seven modules:

Introduction to Produce Safety
Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
Soil Amendments
Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

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.

Pennsylvania Farmers Union (PFU) is a policy and advocacy organization that represents family farmers in Pennsylvania. This course is offered in collaboration with the Local Food Safety Collaborative lead by National Farmers Union. The goal of this work is to provide outreach, education and training to small local food producers and processors on the Produce Safety and Preventative Controls rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). General admission is at $150 for the food system community. Discounted rates ($30 – $50) are made available through additional support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania Growers and Producers who meet grant criteria by agreeing to share their contact information with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are eligible for the discounted rates. All attendees completing the course will receive a workbook worth $50 and a Certificate worth $35. Coffee (beverage) and lunch service will be provided