Farm food safety workshops offered across Nebraska in January, February

Workshops in Scottsbluff, Ogallala and three other Nebraska locationsbeginning in January are intended to help food producers meet the requirements of new federal legislation.
The workshops are sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative and the Nebraska Farmers' Market Association in partnership with Old Cheney Road Farmers' Market (OCRFM).

Food Safety is becoming increasingly important for all foods producers, including local food producers. In January 2011, President Barack Obama signed the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act into law. This bill requires producers to evaluate hazards to their products, create measures to prevent contamination and to develop written food safety plans.

The aim is to increase traceability of fresh produce grown in the United States, as well as responsibility for food producers.

Training dates, locations, and reservation deadlines:

• Scottsbluff: Jan. 25, Panhandle Research and Extension Center, 4502 Ave. I. Register by Jan. 18.
  
• Ogallala: Jan. 26, Valentino’s Restaurant, 55 River Road. Register by Jan. 19.
  
• Kearney: Jan. 27, Buffalo County Extension, 1400 E 34th St. Register by Jan. 20.
  
• Norfolk: Feb 8, Lifelong Learning Center, UNL classroom, 801 East Benjamin Ave. Register by Feb. 1.
  
• Omaha: Feb. 15, Douglas/Sarpy Extension Office, 8015 W. Center Road. Register by Feb. 8.

The workshops will help fresh produce growers or farmer’s market managers complete the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) training. At the end of the workshop, participants will understand GAPs and take steps to complete their own farm food safety plans. Workshop topics will help producers enhance worker sanitation, harvesting, handling, packaging, storage and transportation standards of fresh produce from the farm operation to markets, schools, restaurants, and retail stores.

By completing a Farm Food Safety Plan, producers can differentiate themselves in the marketplace and appeal to many customers who perceive this training as an added benefit.
The one-day training sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All education materials and costs of the workshop are provided by the University of Nebraska GAPs Training Team and through a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. Attendance at the workshops is free to everyone.

Reservations are required to participate in the training workshops. Please register at: http://go.unl.edu/7ka. For more information contact the Nebraska Rural Initiative at 402-472-2940 or email gaps@unl.edu .