May 2023 Produce Safety Training

May Registration Now Open!

Do you grow produce? Are you wanting to make sure you are in compliance with FDA guidelines? Join us for one of our Grower Trainings this year!

The May training will take place via zoom on May 24th & 25th from 8am to 12:30pm both days.

All participants must have access to:

Zoom video conferencing software, web camera and microphone, and stable internet connection.

Registration for the May training is open till May 17th, 2023!

Surveys

Fruit and Vegetable Grower Feedback Needed on Produce Safety Costs, Needs, and Barriers

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Team and personnel from the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS) at the University of Vermont would like to understand the costs and the barriers of beginning or expanding food safety practices on farms and in packinghouses to make educational materials more relevant to fruit and vegetable growers and packers.

After completing this survey you can enter a raffle to win a $75 prepaid credit card!

Take the survey here!

Small-Scale Fruit and Vegetable Grower Perception of On-Farm Food Safety Practices

Take the survey here!

Please take 10-12 minutes to complete this survey for a University of Florida student pursuing their master's degree in Extension Education.

They state that "The findings of this study will be helpful to varied stakeholders to understand better the unique needs of small-scale growers, which aims to guide future policy and program planning related to the food safety of agricultural produce in the United States".

Events

Bringing the Farm to School:

Local Producer Training

Arkansas Farm to School, in collaboration with a few partners such as Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service & Oklahoma Farm to School, will be hosting a "Bringing the Farm to School" Producer Training on April 11, 2023 in Fort Smith at the River Events Center.

This training is meant for farmers/producers in Arkansas and Oklahoma who are interested in learning and connecting with school markets.

If you have any questions please contact lindsey.cartwright@agriculture.arkansas.gov

Food & Beverage Startup Series

Have a food business concept but don't know where to start? Join the Arkansas Business Navigator's Food and Beverage Startup Program to learn how to plan, develop and launch a food product in Arkansas.

This 4-part series includes three online webinars and concludes with an in-person panel discussion and Sample Showcase to feature your product.

Tuesday, April 11: Product R&D + Licensing Webinar 12 - 1 pm
Tuesday, April 18: Product Pricing + Financing Webinar 12 - 1 pm
Tuesday, April 25: Market Readiness Webinar 12 - 1 pm
Monday, May 1: Starting your Packaged Food Company Panel + Sample Showcase 5 - 7 pm

No cost but space is limited. Register for one or all sessions today!

Resources

A Case Study of the Arkansas Local Food Network

Interested in the viability and sustainability of smallholder farmers' livelihood in the state of Arkansas? Read through Alternative Food Networks and the Sustainable Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study of the Arkansas Local Food Network by Samantha N. Baker, M.S.

Check out some of the results from this case study below:

Job Opportunity

Spring Creek Food Hub, located in Springdale, AR, is now hiring for several positions! These include:

Apply Here!

Useful Links