The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) sets minimum food safety standards for the production of fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts.  The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training course was developed to educate growers and farm workers about the PSR and assist with implementation of practices to satisfy the regulatory requirements set forth by the PSR.  At least one individual from the farming operation must attend a PSA Grower training course to meet regulatory requirements.

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources has established a Produce Safety Technical Assistance Program to support growers in California with PSR compliance. The team will be offering virtual PSA Grower training courses July - December 2024 at a cost of $50 (includes course manual and certificate fees).  Courses will be held over two consecutive days, with sessions running from 12:00 PM-4:30 PM PST.  In order to be eligible for the PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion, participants must be present for all PSA course modules. In order to monitor this requirement, participants must have video capability and there must be someone on the training team who is monitoring the course participants during the training.  Dates of training are listed below. 

These offerings are limited to individuals that live and/or work in the state of California.  Participants will be asked to provide a mailing address (to receive course manual) on the registration form and those whose address in not in California will have their registration cancelled.  A $25 cancellation fee applies to all cancellations. 

Lead Trainer: Thais Ramos

Trainers: Ariana Reyes, Marianna Castiaux, Ruofen Liao, and Aparna Gazula. 

Dates of Course Offerings: 
Tuesday - Wednesday July 9-10, 2024, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily - Register by June 28th
Other Dates TBA

Cost: $50
Cancellation fee: $25

Agenda (as PDF, 81 KB)

Day 1
12:00-12:30 PM Course Introduction 
12:30-1:15 PM   Module 1: Introduction to Produce Safety 
1:15-1:45 PM     Break 
1:45-2:30 PM     Module 2: Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training 
2:30-3:15 PM     Module 3: Soil Amendments 
3:15-4:00 PM     Module 4: Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use 
4:00-4:30 PM     Discussion and Adjourn 

Day 2      
12:00-1:00 PM   Module 5: Agricultural Water Part I 
1:00-1:30 PM     Break 
1:30-2:30 PM     Module 5: Agricultural Water Part II 
2:30-3:30 PM     Module 6: Postharvest Handling and Sanitation 
3:30-4:00 PM     Module 7: How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan 
4:00-4:30 PM     Discussion and Adjourn