Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training

Program Description

Course Description

Latin American countries export large quantities of produce to the USA. In order to be in compliance, training producers and handlers of fresh agricultural products in the Regulation on the safety of fresh agricultural products (PSR, 21CFR112) is necessary. The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course satisfies the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Rule requirement stating “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized by the Food and Drug Administration.” JIFSAN is recognized and authorized to present this program internationally, using the PSA curriculum designed as a standardized course and intended to provide a consistent foundation of produce safety and FSMA Produce Safety Rule information. In each of the seven modules taught in this course, participants learn about produce safety best practices, and key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. The course provides a foundation in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and co-management information, along with FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan. Participants completing the entire course are eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) verifying their completion.

https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/training/grower-training-courses/

During the pandemic, PSA approved a virtual format for presenting Grower Training. JIFSAN successfully deliver the PSA curriculum in Latin America during this time. JIFSAN will continue offering Virtual Grower Training (VGT) as long as PSA approves this format, and will transition to face-to-face when restrictions are lifted. Included in JIFSAN’s training, qualified participants are given the opportunity to be coached through the extensive PSA Lead Trainer process. This process is designed to develop trainers to effectively and consistently deliver the curriculum so fruit and vegetable growers are well informed about FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements. PSA approved Lead Trainers are able to independently coordinate courses, providing a greater impact for training of growers in their region.

Course Content

The PSA Grower Training curriculum includes seven modules.

1. Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
2. Soil Amendments
3. Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
4. Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)
5. Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
6. How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Training Locations