The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has begun its on-farm inspections as part of the Produce Safety Rule. Under the Produce Safety Rule, every produce farm must have an individual on staff who has completed an FDA-approved Produce Safety Rule Grower training course. California Produce Safety Program inspectors will ask to see your designated food safety employee’s certificate as part of your on-farm inspection. In addition to the required Grower Training Certificate, all produce farms must show documentation of ongoing food safety training of farm employees. The Produce Safety Rule Grower Training need only be taken once; however, the certificate of completion belongs to the individual and not the farm. The course provides training to ensure a responsible party employed by the farm understands the required food safety practices.
CDFA has received funding from the FDA to provide Produce Safety Rule Grower Training courses at a reduced rate. A list of subsidized courses currently being offered in California and instructions on how to register is available here and here. The classes are ongoing in August 2019 and are offered through April 2020. English and Spanish language classes are available. Please note that these classes will be limited. Sign up as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Lori Apodaca, Director of Regulatory Affairs, at lori@www.cacitrusmutual.com or (559) 592-3790.
Links to training:
