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 September-December 2023 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.

Individual names and mailing addresses will be shared with the California Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Program in order to distribute course materials.

Lead Trainer: Erin DiCaprio

Trainers: Ariana Reyes, Marianna Castiaux, Paulina Hernandez, Aparna Gazula, Yurytzy Sanchez

Dates of Course Offerings: 
Thursday - Friday, Sept. 21-22, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Aug. 31
Tuesday - Wednesday, Oct. 10-11, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Sept. 19
Tuesday - Wednesday, Oct. 24-25, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Oct. 3
Wednesday - Thursday, Nov. 1-2, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Oct. 11
Tuesday - Wednesday, Nov. 14-15, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Oct. 24
Tuesday - Wednesday, Dec. 5-6, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Nov. 14
Monday - Tuesday, Dec. 18-19, 2023, 12:00 - 4:30 PM daily Register by Nov. 27

Cost: $50
Cancellation fee: $25

Draft Agenda
Day 1

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM     Course Introduction

12:30 PM - 1:30PM          Module 1: Introduction to Produce Safety

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM           Break

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM           Module 2: Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM          Module 3: Soil Amendments

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM           Discussion and Adjourn

Day 2

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM        Module 4: Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM           Module 5: Agricultural Water Part 1

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM          Break

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM          Module 5: Agricultural Water Part 2

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM          Module 6: Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

3:30 PM  –  4:00 PM        Module 7: How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM          Discussion and Adjourn