The OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team launched their new on-line course for Good Agricultural Practices in Hydroponic Operations this week. This self-paced on-line course provides produce growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best management practices to reduce microbial food safety hazards in hydroponic vegetable and fruit operations. Participants will receive a certificate of participation after completing this course. The cost of the course is $150. To register for the course click here (go.osu.edu/hydroponicgapscourse).
The goal of this on-line course is to provide hydroponic growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement best management practices specific to controlled environments (greenhouses, in-door farms, high tunnels, etc.) to reduce microbial food safety hazards in hydroponic vegetable and fruit production systems.
Participants will learn how to:
- assess food safety risks and conduct risk assessments for their operation,
- develop a food safety plan specific to their production practices,
- understand the requirements surrounding the quality of nutrient solutions to ensure a safe crop,
- implement best post-harvest handling practices for hydroponics,
- design appropriate sanitation and cleaning protocols for hydroponic operations,
- manage pests and animal intrusions in controlled environments,
- develop best personnel health and hygiene policies, and
- implement best storage practices and traceability.
For questions about the course contact Melanie Ivey at ivey.14@osu.edu or Sanja Ilic at ilic.2@osu.edu
Support for this training was provided by The Ohio Department of Agriculture - Specialty Block Crop Program (GRT00061666).