Purpose: The purpose of the focus groups was to gather data directly from farmers to understand their educational needs and expectations from training programs, including why and where farmers prefer to attend trainings. Understanding their learning preferences will ensure the curriculum content, design and delivery will effectively meet their needs.
Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted with eighty-nine fruit and vegetable farmers across the country representing different geographical locations, farm sizes, cultures, commodities and production practices. The focus groups were tape recorded and qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed using constant comparative analysis.
Results: Several common themes emerged, including the need for solution-oriented resources and assistance in defining risks. Other outcomes reflected cultural, commodity or market specific variations such as information about farming with horses or specific practices for farmers’ markets. Farmers preferred attending trainings that were less than one day, conducted during their commodity off season and within 20-60 miles of their farm.
Significance: Providing fundamental knowledge regarding fresh produce safety that is designed to meet defined needs will ensure that all farmers, despite farm size, commodity grown, geographic location or regulatory pressure will be able to understand and implement practices which reduce food safety risks on the farm. This data will ensure that both farmers and regulatory personnel are exposed to the same information regarding on-farm food safety risks and practices to reduce risks.