Grower Training & GAPs Course & Training

Benefits of Attending the Course

The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.  Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of:

• Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm
• How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduce risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm
• Parts of a farm food safety plan and how to begin writing one

Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them. 

Who Should Attend?

Growers, packers, Extension agents, educators, industry suppliers and others interested in learning the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and certification. One way to satisfy § 112.22(c) which requires that at least one supervisor or responsible party from a farm subject to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration. This is such a curriculum.

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?

The trainers will spend approximately eight hours of instruction time covering content contained in seven modules. You must be present and participate during the whole course to be eligible for the materials and the certificate. The course will present some parts/examples related to fresh fruit and vegetable growing, harvesting and handling. However, it is intended for other producers and handlers as well.

Do I receive a Certificate?

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. 

The participants will receive the course, materials and other information as a result of attending and participating in the complete course.