Location: Produce Handling Facility, 74 Research Dr., Mills River, NC
Date and Time: May 16, 2024 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
During this 3-hour workshop we will go over food safety updates for farmers that grow, harvest, pack and/or hold produce (fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, microgreens, etc.). This includes farms that grow their crops in open fields, greenhouses and indoor buildings. This workshop is highly recommended for growers that are GAP audited and certified or planning to be GAP certified this year.
During this workshop we will cover the following topics:
- FSMA Produce Safety Rule updates
- FSMA 204 Traceability Rule: Who does this rule impact, how to prepare for it and its unintended consequences for produce farms
- Review of cleaning, sanitation practices and sanitary design of equipment used during harvest and post harvest activities
- USDA GAP Harmonized and Harmonized + Audit updates for 2024
- Overview of Industry resources recently published
- Time for your questions to be addresssed
The USDA GAP Harmonized and Harmonized+ Audits were revised this past winter. Here is a link to the announcement, these changes will be in effect starting May 1, 2024. During this workshop we will go over the most important changes to the format and questions so consider bringing your food safety plan to make notes in preparation for this year's audit.
The cost to attend is $20.00 per participant, no refunds will be issued after May 14. All participants will receive a certificate of participation if they attend the entirety of the workshop.
Registration is via Eventbrite.
- Elena Rogers, Area Specialized Agent- Food Safety- Fresh Produce via email at elena_rogers@ncsu.edu or at (828)352-2519
- Karen Blaedow, Extension Agent, Henderson Co. Agriculture- Vegetable and Small at karen_blaedow@ncsu.edu or at (828)697-4891.
