North Dakota to offer safety training for produce growers

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The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the North Central Regional Center for Food Safety Modernization Act Training, Extension, and Technical Assistance to offer free remote Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings.

“North Dakota growers will have access to valuable produce safety education,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Attending a session will satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party on a farm to complete food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Courses are free for North Dakota growers. All courses are held remotely so participants must have an internet connection to take the training. Participants are required to have their camera on and engage throughout the course to receive their certificate of completion.

Topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to produce safety
• Worker health, hygiene and training
• Soil amendments
• Wildlife, domesticated animals and land use
• Agricultural water
• Postharvest handling and sanitation
• How to develop a farm food safety plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each topic.

For a complete list of dates and times and to register, visit www.ndda.nd.gov/produce-safety-course. Course materials will be mailed out prior to the training.

ND Department of Agriculture