Food Safety Training for Fruit and Vegetable Producers to be Held Nov. 16

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 17, 2011) – On November 16, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the University of Maryland will conduct a food safety training workshop for fruit and vegetable producers.  This one-day workshop is important for small- and large- scale producers who want to understand how to meet current and future U.S. Food and Drug Administration food safety requirements and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification. The training will provide assistance in writing and implementing a GAP program for both wholesale and direct marketers.

Topics to be covered include:  highlights of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act; review of recent outbreaks; basics of GAP; addressing water quality issues; compost/manure use; wildlife and livestock issues; worker hygiene; and MDA/University of Maryland programs to assist producers in implementing GAP.

Training will be held at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD  21401, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on November 16, 2011. The training fee is $20, which includes lunch and materials. For a registration form.

MDA offers two GAP certification programs for fruit and vegetable producers.   Nationally recognized certification is provided through a cooperative agreement with USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service and meets the requirements of many wholesale buyers.  MDA GAP certification is available for direct marketers. For more information.
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