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Grower Training

Produce Safety Grower Training Information

Check back in fall 2024 for registration information on Produce Safety Grower Training courses.

Who Should Attend

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety are encouraged to attend. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule training requirement.


What to Expect

Training Topics:

  • 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
  • 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 module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.


Benefits of Attending

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.

After attending the entire course, participants will receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course.

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been awarded a grant from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support implementation of the  Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule . The funds will allow MDA to train Montana producers and help them comply with federal produce safety regulations. In addition to helping producers comply with FSMA, the training courses will also help them meet the standards required by institutional food buyers.

The Montana Department of Agriculture values diversity and inclusion; we are committed to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming. If you have specific needs or accommodation requests, please notify us as soon as possible at foodsafety@mt.gov or (406) 444-0131.


 

Montana Rules & Code: Produce

Contacts

 


 


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