Workshops Focus On Fresh Produce Safety

Upcoming Trainings and Events focused on Fresh Produce Safety

March 11 & 12, 2009, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NC Fresh Produce Safety Training (East)
Designed to offer trainings for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP)
NC Cooperative Extension, Wilson County Center
NC Cooperative Extension agents should register through LIMS
More info: Diane Ducharme, (704) 250-5402

April 30 & May 1, 2009, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NC Fresh Produce Safety Training (West)
Designed to offer trainings for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP)
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, Fletcher
NC Cooperative Extension Agents should register through LIMS
More info: Diane Ducharme, (704) 250-5402

Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences offers numerous fall workshops & trainings.

Fresh Produce Safety Train-the-Trainer Workshop Series.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina Fresh Produce Safety Task Force would like to invite NC Extension Agents to Fresh Produce Safety Training. The intended audience is Agriculture, Family Consumer Science, and any other agents having an audience dealing with fresh produce production, harvesting, storing, transporting, and marketing.

Consumer perception of food safety is driving much of the guidance environment as it relates to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). As industry responds to the recent foodborne outbreaks, large and small growers of NC’s farm enterprises are affected by the market expectations. Large-chain wholesalers as well as retail chains, school systems and some restaurants are requiring producers/suppliers to have GAPs certification. Producers/sellers, without food safety plans in place and who cannot demonstrate use of recognized Good Agricultural Practices are experiencing reduced market opportunities and negative impacts to the economic viability of their farm operations.

The workshops will provide two days of train-the-trainer sessions that deliver a 9 module-based curriculum on guidance for Fresh Produce Safety, including the eight basic principles for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), managing liability and risk, and communication during controversial issues. These presentations will be given as resources for agents including a great deal more!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THESE SESSIONS!
WHEN and WHERE: Three sessions are available:

If you need more information or have questions, please call or Diane Ducharme at 704.250.5402 (diane_ducharme@ncsu.edu).