Western Growers is hosting a train-the-trainer course on August 28-29, 2018, in Irvine. This training effort is meant to develop a cadre of trainers able to teach the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course.

The U.S.  Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Produce Safety Rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. This rule requires that at least one supervisor or responsible party from each farm successfully completes food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the FDA. The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) has developed this “standardized curriculum” recognized by the FDA through a nationwide collaboration including produce growers, extension educators, researchers, produce industry representative and government personnel. The PSA Train-the-Trainer course will enable participants to become a PSA trainer or PSA Lead Trainer who is able to train fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule.

Upon successful completion of this class, you will be a PSA Trainer. Completing this training allows you to deliver curriculum modules as a trainer in a PSA Grower Training, under the direction of a PSA Lead Trainer. Every PSA Grower Training must have at least one PSA Lead Trainer present. For further clarification on the trainer competency areas and how to become a PSA Trainer or PSA Lead Trainer, please visit the PSA website.

If you are a produce safety educator, work with fruit and vegetable growers or are just interested in becoming PSA Trainer or PSA Lead Trainer, this course is for you. This two-day session will provide detailed information about Good Agricultural Practices, co-management of natural resources and food safety, FDA’s Produce Safety Rule requirements and a review of the seven modules in the PSA Grower Training curriculum. The course will also cover principles of adult education, how to incorporate the PSA curriculum into other extension trainings, developing working partnerships, expectations for trainers and how to register a PSA Grower Training Course with the Association of Food and Drug Officials.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: August 28-29, 2018

Location: Western Growers Headquarters (15525 Sand Canyon, Irvine, CA 92707)

Registration Details: Registration includes PSA training materials and certificate, light breakfast, snacks and lunch. Register by August 20, 2018, to secure a spot, as the class size is limited.

RSVP: REGISTER HERE

COST:

• WG Member: $350
• Non-WG Member: $450

*There is a $35 cancellation fee. Refunds will not be issued if a cancellation request is received after August 20, 2018.

For questions about the courses, contact Sonia Salas at (949) 885-2251. For more information about scheduled PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses, visit the PSA website.