Passing on this excellent and well-timed opportunity for food safety training from Cornell and UVM Extension. -TB

Good afternoon growers,

We hope the end of October is treating you all well. I’m passing along the following training opportunity from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture team, the Harvest New York program, and UVM Extension’s Chris Callahan. Participants from all states and farm sizes are welcome. We encourage all produce growers to attend a PSA Grower Training to learn about food safety practices.

Remote Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

December 8 and 9, 2021 from 12:00 – 5:00 PM

Held via Zoom

Cost: $30/attendee

Register here by November 19

Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture and Harvest New York programs. See attached flyer for details.

A grower training course developed by the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) that meets the regulatory requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for farms subject to the Produce Safety Rule. All farms are welcome to attend to learn about recommended food safety practices for growing, handling, and storing fresh produce. Course registration fee includes a course manual and certificate of course completion by the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).

Note that this is a remote delivery (Zoom) course. Participants must have access to a device (computer or tablet) connected to internet with functioning microphone and video camera capabilities. High-speed internet (>25 Mbps download, >3 Mbps upload) and Zoom proficiency required. Participant engagement will be monitored throughout the course via audio, visual, and written methods. In order to receive a certificate of course completion, participants must be engaged and present for the entirety of all modules.

If this course date doesn’t work for you but you’re interested in other training opportunities this winter, let me know!

Best,

Ollie Cultrara (they/them)

Produce Program Outreach & Education Coordinator

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets | 94 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT 05495

Cell: (802) 461-5128 | ollie.cultrara

agriculture.vermont.gov/produceprogram

Produce Safety Training flyer_Dec2021.pdf

Passing this short survey on from our UVM Extension colleagues Vern Grubinger and Laura Johnson. They are hoping to have this survey data by November 8.

Hello growers!

We are developing plans for University of Vermont Extension / Vermont Vegetable and Berry Grower’s Association research and education projects aimed at supporting wild pollinators on farms in the Northeast. Kindly complete this short questionnaire within the next week to help us understand your needs and areas of interest. It will take just a couple of minutes. Much appreciated!

https://forms.gle/4G3s1vm64aNj1xaV8

Thanks,

Vern Grubinger and Laura Johnson

UVM Extension

https://www.uvm.edu/extension/pollinator-resources

From Gina Clithero at VT Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets:

The Agency of Agriculture’s Produce Program is providing farms with new containers and cleaning supplies to improve food safety and efficiency. Forty approved applicants will receive a complete Produce Safety Supply Kit, including include a bucket, brush, squeegee, and a custom number of containers based on their request and available supply. Vermont farms that grow, harvest, pack, or hold fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, or nuts, and are enrolled in the Vermont Produce Portal, are eligible. Farms of all sizes are encouraged to apply. Farms with over $28,561 in average annual produce sales over the past three years will be prioritized.

Apply here: Produce Safety Supply Kit Application:

Deadline to apply: Friday, October 22nd at noon

If your application is selected, you will need to pick up your supply kit at the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Lab on Wednesday, October 27 or Monday, November 1. Please direct any questions to Gina Clithero at gina.clithero or 802-585-6225.

– – – – – – – – – –

Gina Clithero (she/her)

Agriculture Development Specialist

Vermont Produce Program | Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

116 State St. Montpelier, Vermont 05620-2901

gina.clithero | (802) 585-6225

vermontagriculture.com

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