Advance Agricultural Production Systems

Registration Includes:
• Course Materials (PowerPoint Slides & Handouts)

• Light breakfast & Lunch (covered by registration fee)

Who Should Attend?
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety.

Psst... If you attended one of the PSR Grower Trainings in 2024, you can register for this workshop for FREE.

What to Expect at this Lab & Lecture?
The trainers will cover content related to Farm Food Safety Plan writing

The Lab & Lecture format involves a combination of traditional lecture-style learning (presentations with question & answer and discussion) and hands-on learning (expsoure to equipment, tools, faciities that provide practical knowledge for implementation of the lecture principles).

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and discuss their questions with experienced professionals in the food safety realm from the University of Maryland Plant Science & Food Safety Lab, Univeristy of Maryland Extension, Maryland Department of Agriculture, and the Agriculture Law Education Initiaitve.

Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 am - Check-in & Refreshment

10:00 – 10:15 am - Welcome & Introduction (Margaret Todd, Esq., ALEI)

10:15 am – 12:00 pm:

Key components of a farm food safety plan
Using risk assessments to help guide food safety planning priorities (5-10 minute break)
SOPs - maintaining food safety standards – business culture & training
Practical strategies for creating effective and efficient food safety practices
Required documentation for compliance (PSR v GAP)
12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 – Q&A and Individual work time with trainer assistance

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:
• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course.

• Participants are expected to bring their own laptops to work on their individualized Farm Food Safety Plans. If you do not have a portable electronic device (laptop or tablet) to work on, please contact motodd@law.umaryland.edu to discuss options.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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Registration Includes:
• Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v 1.2)

• Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials

Who Should Attend?
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires

‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’
What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?
The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety

• Role of Maryland Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews

• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

• Soil Amendments

• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Participation requirements for in-person attendees include:
• Course attendance and participation will be monitored. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.

• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be available to each attendee prior to the course administration.

• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

This course will be delivered remotely via Zoom in 2 half-day sessions:

February 6 -7, 2024 (Tuesday & Wednesday), 11:30 AM - 4:45 PM

Registration Includes:

• Course Materials (Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2)

• Course Certificate from the Produce Safety Alliance upon successful completion of course materials

Who Should Attend?

Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in § 112.22(c) that requires ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.’

What to Expect at the PSA Grower Training Course?

The trainers will cover content contained in these eight modules:

• Introduction to Produce Safety

• Role of MD Dept. of Agriculture and On-Farm Readiness Reviews

• Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training

• Soil Amendments

• Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use

• Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Postharvest Water)

• Postharvest Handling and Sanitation

• How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions. Appropriate time will be made for breaks at the discretion of the instructors.

Participation requirements for this web-based course include:

• High-speed internet connection

• Computer or other appropriate device with webcam and microphone, which must remain functional for the duration of the course, to verify participation of each attendee.

• Course attendance and participation will be monitored through chat, polling, and other engagement. Any attendee who does not participate for the duration of the course will not be eligible for certification.

• Troubleshooting is available for participants with unstable internet. Any make-up sections, due to lost internet connection etc. must be coordinated individually with the trainers.

• A hard-copy Produce Safety Rule Grower Training Manual v1.2 will be shipped to each attendee prior to the course administration. Course registration will close approximately 7 working days prior to the course to facilitate book shipment. Please be sure the shipping address you provide at the time of registration is capable of receiving packages.

• Participants are expected to complete and return course evaluations within one week of completing the course. Evaluations and a link for the training will be sent in a confirmation email prior to the training date.

Funding for this series of work described in this article is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007444 totaling $523,497 with 100 percent funded by FDA]/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Climate change is a widespread and ongoing issue that is threatening our existence more and more every day and is reflected in matters such as global warming and food and water scarcity. Human activities have become the main factor at play when it comes to the rapid deterioration of our environment, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels which consequently produces heat-trapping gases when burned.

For more information visit our website https://www.ierek.com/events/health-environmental-resilience-and-livabi…

The Western Maryland Regional Fruit Meeting will be held at the University of Maryland, Western Maryland Research and Education Center, 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756, on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $40* ($45 after Feb 8, 2024), which includes continental breakfast, lunch, and handouts.

This yearly meeting will present industry information (including pesticide and nutrient management updates) related to commercial tree and small fruit production by the University of Maryland Extension and industry experts.

Attendance at this meeting qualifies for recertification continuing education credits (CEU’s) for individuals possessing a current and valid license:

• MARYLAND Recertification Training Commercial/Public Agency/Consultant/Private—credits in Categories 1A, 10*, 12*, PVT*
• WEST VIRGINIA Pesticide Recertification Training
• MARYLAND Nutrient Management Program

For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event (two weeks prior), please contact Joseph Fiola or by calling (301) 432-2767 x344

*There is an additional processing fee from Eventbrite to pay by credit card

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.

This course is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field.

There is plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with your presenters and fellow participants. It's a relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other women in agriculture.

Mid Shore Maryland

6 sessions, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Wednesdays, February 21, 2024 - March 27, 2024

Location: QAC Extension Office

505 Railroad Avenue, Suite 4 Centreville, MD 21617

Virtual Option

6 sessions, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Wednesdays, February 21, 2024 - March 27, 2024

Location: Zoom

*reading and project assignments outside of class time about 1 hour per week

For more information call Shannon Dill at 410-822-1244 (sdill@umd.edu) or Jenny Rhodes at 410-758-0166 (jrhodes@umd.edu) or visit the website at www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project. 

Register online at: https://2024annies.eventbrite.com

Annie’s Project is approved for FSA Borrower Training which includes an additional workbook requirement.  Please contact Shannon Dill at 410-822-1244 for more information.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Shannon Dill at 410-822-1244  on or before February 7, 2024.

The University of Maryland Extension and College of Agriculture & Natural Resources will host an all-day workshop discussing recent fruit tree planting and management research on Friday, February 23rd, at the Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive in Queenstown.

This course is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field.

There is plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with your presenters and fellow participants. It's a relaxed, fun and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet other women in agriculture.

Mid Shore Maryland
6 sessions, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesdays, February 22, 2023 - March 29, 2023
Location: QAC Extension Office
505 Railroad Avenue, Suite 4 Centreville, MD 21617

Virtual Option
6 sessions, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesdays, February 22, 2023 - March 29, 2023
Location: Zoom
*reading and project assignments outside of class time about 1 hour per week

For more information call Shannon Dill at 410-822-1244 (sdill@umd.edu) or Jenny Rhodes at 410-758-0166 (jrhodes@umd.edu) or visit the website at www.extension.umd.edu/annies-project.

Register online at: https://2024annies.eventbrite.com

Annie’s Project is approved for FSA Borrower Training which includes an additional workbook requirement.  Please contact Shannon Dill at 410-822-1244 for more information.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Shannon Dill  on or before February 7, 2024.

Grain farmers and ag professionals are encouraged to join University of Maryland Extension for this educational program focusing on production agronomy. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. Guest speakers include regional experts and University of Maryland faculty and Maryland Department of Agriculture. Topics satisfy requirements for Maryland pesticide and nutrient management renewal. Pennsylvania pesticide credits also available

$12 registration includes morning refreshments and a hot lunch. Registration is $20 after February 9.
RSVP by calling (410) 638-3255, e-mail akness@umd.edu.

The Central Maryland Forage Conference will be held at the New Midway Volunteer Fire Company located at 12019 Woodsboro Pike New Midway, MD 21775 on Thursday, January 18th from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The annual event will feature regional experts and local speakers covering a variety of topics on growing and managing forages on the farm.

Nutrient management certification credits and private and commercial applicator pesticide credits will be available. The cost for the event is $25 and will include a light breakfast and lunch.

To register for the event, please visit https://go.umd.edu/cmdforage. The registration deadline for the event is January 15th.