ABOUT THE SERIES: Kansas Farmers Union and the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Kansas are offering new and aspiring farmers an opportunity to visit nine Kansas and Missouri farms and learn from educators, producers and other experts about topics ranging from on farm food safety to business planning.

The Summer Fun Farm Tour Series runs every other Monday beginning July 22 and includes stops across the northeastern region of the state, a local foods lunch, networking, and an educational session. There is no cost to participate. The series wraps up on August 26 with a Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training workshop.

Visit the Summer Fun Farm Tour Series PAGE to learn more about the project.

On August 26, fruit and vegetable farmers can learn 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. The Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement. The no-cost workshop runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and registration includes lunch, training materials, and free post-workshop water testing provided by K-State Research and Extension.

“As a grower it is our responsibility to do everything we can to produce the most wholesome, safe fruits and vegetables we can to our customers, says Howell. “Growers who have spent the day in one of our workshops will say that it was very enjoyable and they learned things they never thought about. The class is held in an informal setting where fellow growers can ask questions and learn from each other.”

National Farmers Union’s Local Food Safety Collaborative funding awarded to the KFU make it possible to offer the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training workshop at no cost to growers. A grower who completes the entire day-long class receives a certificate of completion. Howell says, “We are the best deal in the state for this training!”

All farmers, producers, growers and community gardeners are encouraged to attend. No cost to attend!

FSMA has given the FDA new authorities to regulate the way foods are grown, harvested and processed.
This training is very important for all growers, producers and community gardens.

Attendees will receive a certificate of completion of FSMA PSA training. Lunch is provided.

For more information, growers can contact: Mary Howell, 785-562-8726

Who Should Attend:
Fruit & 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.

The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22(c).

Participants will learn about produce safety practices and key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule as outlined within each of seven modules. There will be time for questions so participants should come prepared to share experiences during discussions in each of these areas:

• Introduction to Produce Safety
• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
• Soil Amendments
• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
• Agricultural Water (Production and Postharvest)
• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

Registration: RSVP below.
There is no cost to attend.
Registration includes lunch, training materials, and free post-workshop water testing provided by KSRE.

Workshop sponsors include: Kansas Farmers Union, the National Farmers Union’s Local Food Safety Collaborative project,  K-State Research and Extension, and Kansas Department of Agriculture. Lead trainer is Cal Jamerson, KSRE.