- Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu
- Contact: Dr. Joe Masabni, 903-834-6191, jmasabni@ag.tamu.edu
JASPER – A produce safety course is set for Nov. 13 in the Jasper County Annex Building, 271 E. Lamar St. in Jasper.
The course will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $40 for individuals. Entry covers lunch, refreshments, educational materials and one certificate of completion.
Register online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ProduceSafety or by phone at 979-845-2604.
Dr. Joe Masabni, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist, Overton, will be the speaker for course subjects. Dr. Matt Taylor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research animal science associate professor in College Station, is also scheduled to speak.
Masabni said the course is designed in response to the new Food Safety Modernization Act produce safety rules and increasing demand from producers to learn about proper food-handling methods.
“This event will teach growers about good agricultural practices and the new FSMA produce safety rules that are important to ensure produce is safely brought to market for consumers,” he said. “Many retailers require certification from producers, but it is also important knowledge for producers who intend to market their farm and produce to the public directly.”
Topics include:
– Introduction to Produce Safety.
– Worker Health, Hygiene and Training.
– Soil Amendments.
– Wildlife, Domesticated Animals and Land Use.
– Agricultural Water – Part 1: Production Water.
– Agricultural Water – Part 2: Postharvest Water.
– Postharvest Handling and Sanitation.
– How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan.
Masabni and Taylor will participate in a question and answer session following the course topics.
If residents around the state wish to host similar events in their area, Masabni said he is willing to travel for groups of 10 or more.
“There are three of us who teach this course in all of Texas,” he said. “We understand not everyone can travel to attend them in certain areas, and we want to meet the needs of our producers.”
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