From the desk of
THE PRODUCE SAFETY TEAM
May 23rd, 2021
Farm Worker Training Texting Service
This new produce safety texting service can help support your worker training efforts
Employee Handbooks and training videos have been a "go to "method for training workers for decades, but worker training does not always have to be formal or time intensive. Farm supervisors know that it's important to check in with workers throughout the growing season to ensure employees understand produce safety concepts and that standard operating procedures (SOP's) and farm policies are being followed. 

In support of On-Farm worker training, Michigan State University Extension in collaboration with Ferris State students and the Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team will be launching a FREE Produce Safety Training texting service. 
 
Farm supervisors and workers can reserve a spot to receive a once-a-week text beginning in September featuring a short video or audio clip (or other resource) focused on On-Farm Produce Safety.
Building a Culture of Food Safety
What does it mean to create a culture of food safety? Micah Hutchison, a Produce Safety Technician, and Mariel Borgman, an MSU Extension Educator, sit down and discuss the things, ideas, and activities all employees should share to promote a good food safety culture on the farm.

Worker Training Throughout the Season
How to build a program that works for your farm
Mariel Borgman
Michigan State University Extension Educator
Farmworkers who understand the importance of on farm produce safety and take seriously their role in achieving it are a critical component of a farm’s produce safety program.

Making time to train workers, especially as new employees come on during the height of the busy season, can be a challenge. It can also be difficult to keep employees engaged and interested during training refreshers. There are a number of strategies that you may find helpful to address these challenges on your farm.
Sign up today for an On-Farm Readiness Review!
This free, voluntary, and confidential service is your next step towards FSMA compliance
Many growers of fresh produce want to know how ready they are with regards to being FSMA compliant. In an effort to get people ready for a full implementation of FSMA, Cooperative Extension has developed an On-Farm Readiness Review program. This article helps growers walk through the next steps.
Explore Your Farm's FSMA Status With MDARD.
If you want to connect with a produce safety inspector at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to learn more about how the FSMA Produce Safety Rule applies to your farm or your inspection status, please complete this MDARD Grower survey. A member of MDARD’s Produce Safety Team will contact you directly to verify your status based on the information you provide. Not only do you get to know your status, but MDARD will maintain this data to ensure that you receive relevant communication related to the Produce Safety Rule and Michigan’s Produce Safety Program. 
Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team
1715 Lansing Ave, Jackson, MI 49202 | MSU Extension MACD Produce Safety Technicians
Did someone forward this email to you?

If you would like to join our email list, click here to subscribe!