Produce grower training sessions scheduled

BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will host several Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Grower Training Courses.

"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 should attend," Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. "Attending a session will satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party on a farm to complete food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration."

Courses are free for produce growers and $100 for non-produce growers. Priority will be given to North Dakota growers, but the sessions are open to all fruit and vegetable producers in the United States.

Course dates are Dec. 10, 2025; Jan. 14, 2026; Jan. 28, 2026; and Feb. 11, 2026. All courses are held remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a brief break for lunch. Participants must have an internet connection to take the course.

Topics to be covered include:

• Introduction to produce safety
• Worker health, hygiene and training
• Soil amendments
• Wildlife, domesticated animals and land use
• Agricultural 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 topic. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

To register, visit https://www.ndda.nd.gov/produce-safety-course. Course materials will be mailed out prior to the training. Participants are required to have their camera on and engage in the course throughout the day to receive their certificate of completion.

To ask questions about either the session or the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, please contact Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or [email protected].