Training Workshops Offered for On-Farm Poultry and Rabbit Processing Certification

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 28, 2013) – To help farmers meet growing consumer demand for local meats, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in partnership with the University of Maryland will conduct a training workshop for on-farm poultry and rabbit slaughter and processing from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on May 7 at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center, 5262 Woods Rd, Cambridge in the English Hall. Registration check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The training fee is $20 and includes lunch and materials. To download a copy of the registration form. Space is limited, so register early.

This workshop is part of a voluntary certification program to assist small poultry and rabbit operations to meet the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s approved source requirements to sell poultry and/or rabbit (off-farm) at farmers’ markets or to restaurants and retailers in Maryland.

Workshop participants will learn to recognize diseases of public health concern, take basic biosecurity measures, write and implement basic Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures, develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans, and properly dispose of offal and waste water.

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, which will conduct an inspection at least once per year to verify that producers are following food safety requirements.

For questions, call Sherry Weygant at 410-841-5769 or email: [email protected].

Learn more about Maryland’s Poultry and Rabbit Program. 

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