Fresh Produce Safety Training Programs
I. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES TRAININGS
GAPs training programs at OSU provide growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement on-farm best management practices to reduce fresh produce safety hazards and ensure that their product is safe. The OSU OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team offers GAPs trainings to fruit and vegetable producers who primarily grow fruit and vegetables in the field (GAPs Training and GAPs Training for Plain Growers) and to growers who produce fruit and vegetables using hydroponics (GAPs Training for Hydroponic Production Systems). More information on these trainings and how to register for a training is provided below.
GAPS TRAINING
On-line GAPs Course - Register here
The new on-line course is self-paced and provides produce growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best management practices to reduce microbial food safety hazards in vegetable and fruit farm operations. Participants will receive a certificate of participation after completing this course. The cost of the course is $50. There are NO refunds issued for this course. If you have questions about the course, contact OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety team member Ashley Kulhanek at kulhanek.5@osu.edu.
GAPS TRAINING FOR PLAIN GROWERS
GAPs trainings for the Plain grower community are conducted in-person by OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team members. Trainings are three hours and participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training. Each participant also receives recordkeeping materials and factsheets. Each in-person training cost $50, which helps to cover the cost of training materials.
GAPS TRAINING FOR HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
On-line Hydroponic GAPs Course - Register Here
Introducing our new online course—a self-paced program designed to equip produce growers with the knowledge and tools necessary for implementing best management practices aimed at reducing microbial food safety hazards in hydroponic fruit and vegetable operations. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of participation. The course fee is $150, and please note that no refunds will be issued.
Additionally, we offer in-person training sessions tailored to producers engaged in controlled environment agriculture, particularly hydroponics. These training sessions span three hours, and participants will be presented with a certificate of completion upon finishing the program. Each in-person participant will also be provided with a Good Agricultural Practices Guide handbook.
For any inquiries regarding the course, feel free to reach out to the OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety team leaders, Melanie Lewis Ivey (ivey.14@osu.edu) or Sanja Ilic (ilic.2@osu.edu).
II. Food Safety Plan Writing Workshops
Our workshop is designed to offer a personalized and hands-on approach to food safety planning for growers. We maintain a low instructor-to-grower ratio, with one instructor assigned for every four growers (with a maximum limit of 16 growers per classroom session). This full-day, in-person training includes the provision of computers and printing materials for participants' convenience. We encourage growers to come prepared with any documentation and information related to their food safety practices. Our aim is for growers to leave the workshop with a well-defined initial draft of their food safety plan.
While we do not have fixed dates for this workshop, we are flexible and can schedule sessions based on the needs of growers. The rate for participation is $150, which includes lunch.
For any inquiries regarding the workshop, contact the OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety team leaders, Melanie Lewis Ivey (ivey.14@osu.edu) or Sanja Ilic (ilic.2@osu.edu).
- Farm Food Safety Plan Template
- Farm Food Safety Plan Instruction Guide (to assist you with filling out the template)