Angela Laury Shaw

1 INTRODUCTION Farmer education and training are critical to ensuring the safety of fresh produce, as detailed in the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. One of the requirements for farmers who own and/or operate covered farms is to take a Food and Drug Administration preapproved course. A course developed and managed by the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA), based at Cornell University, is the only approved course at this time (Produce Safety Alliance, 2022).

As the winds of change affect the processes and strategies of education, the purpose in educating young minds must be broadened to include meaningful learning for a variety of students. Under such principles instituted within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS), teachers and administrators are provided a roadmap to build upon.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold five Produce Safety Alliance trainings during the spring of 2018 to help growers comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act. The training sessions will be held in Indianola, Ottumwa, Cedar Rapids, Sheldon and Mason City. Cost of the training is $20 per farm or organization for Iowa growers and $120 for out of state growers. The fee includes the Produce Safety Alliance manual, a certificate of completion and lunch.