Since 2010, the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) has been developing a standardized produce safety training curriculum to prepare fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. Through a five-year development process that included an educational materials conference, eight focus groups with produce growers, ten public working committees, and coordination with the FDA Division of Produce Safety to align the curriculum content with the regulation, a seven module Grower Training Curriculum was developed. This symposium will begin by sharing key milestones and current training progress. Providing training and technical assistance to produce growers, packers, and industry members is a critical component to achieving successful implementation of the new produce safety standards. Starting in September 2016, the PSA launched both Train-the-Trainer and Grower Training Courses to address this need. During the session, presenters will discuss current regional and international education and outreach efforts, as well as challenges in providing effective training to growers. The symposium will, also, offer insight into opportunities, for Extension personnel and other educators, to fill these knowledge gaps and training challenges through the development of new and innovative educational resources. Lastly, it is important to not lose sight of the many growers who may be exempt or not covered by the regulation, but who may be subject to buyer requirements for produce safety practices. Although there are barriers to reaching small and limited resource growers, there are ways to motivate and support them in the implementation of produce safety practices, regardless of whether that pressure is regulatory or market driven. The session will conclude by discussing future opportunities for partnerships and educational initiatives, across the country and internationally, to make training accessible to all growers.

Presentations