Training for Poultry and Rabbit Certification

Farmers Must Attend Seminar to Participate in the New Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 31, 2010) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in conjunction with the University of Maryland will conduct training for on-farm poultry and rabbit slaughter and processing on May 6.  This one-day workshop is mandatory for producers who want to become certified to sell their poultry and/or rabbits at farmers’ markets or to restaurants and retailers in Maryland.  Workshop participants will learn how to recognize diseases of public health concern, basic biosecurity measures, how to write and implement basic Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans, offal and waste water disposal.
To become certified for off-farm sales, producers must: •    complete the training; •    pass a brief test at the training; •    submit an application for certification along with a $75 annual fee; and •    be inspected by MDA (MDA inspectors will conduct an inspection at least once per year to verify that producers are following food safety requirements).
Training will be held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   The training fee is $20 and includes lunch and materials. You can register online or call Karen Fedor at 410-841-5773, email: [email protected] or click here to download a copy of the registration form. Space is limited, so register early.
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