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This is the time of the year to update your food safety trainings. There are several
trainings planned through February that are in person or remote.
December
The registration deadline is fast approaching for our December 5 and 6, 2024
Remote Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Safety Rule Training. This training
fulfills the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration that at least one
person from each farm needs to receive a standardized curriculum recognized by
the FDA. This class runs from 9:00-1:00 EST and both days are required to receive
the certificate. The deadline to register is Sunday, November 17, 2024, exceptions
to this deadline cannot be made due to the nature of the remote program.
January
Preharvest Water Webinar: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 EST.
During this one-hour lunchtime webinar, learn the ins and outs of the Food Safety
Modernization Act: Produce Safety Rule (FSMA:PSR), Pre-Harvest Water (irrigation,
frost protection, spray water, dust control, etc.) changes. The final rule establishes
requirements for systems-based pre-harvest agricultural water assessments
for hazard identification and risk management decision-making. Covered farms –
those that are subject to the requirements in the FSMA:PSR – that use pre-harvest
agricultural water for covered produce are required to conduct agricultural water
assessments and an inspection of the system annually, and whenever a significant
change occurs that increases the likelihood that a known or reasonably foreseeable
hazard will be introduced into or onto produce or food contact surfaces. As part of
both their pre-harvest agricultural water assessments and inspection, farms are
required to evaluate certain factors that could impact produce safety because of
pre-harvest agricultural water use.
Food Safety Training for Blueberry Growers: Wednesday, January 29, 2025,
from 9:00 –12:00 EST. at Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research
and Extension, 125a Lake Oswego, Chatsworth, NJ. The On-Farm Food Safety
team will update blueberry growers on any changes to the Produce Safety Rule and
the Traceability Rule which takes effect in 2026.
February
Food Safety Modernization Act: Produce Safety Rule in Person Training: February
6, 2025, from 9:00-4:00 EST. New Jersey Vegetable Growers Convention at
Harrah’s Waterfront, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ. This is the same training
that is being offered remotely in December but requires one day.
Note:
Financial Assistance for Food Safety Certification and Training is available from the
USDA Farm Service Agency. This is the chance for eligible fresh fruit and vegetable
growers to recover some of their expenses for implementing food safety practices
on the farm. For more information on this program please see following pages and
attached fact sheet.
For more information and to sign up for one of the classes go to: Our Trainings –
Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety (https://onfarmfoodsafety.rutgers.edu/trainings/)
Source: On-Farm Food Safety Team (Meredith Melendez, Jenn Matthews, Kate
Brown and Wes Kline)