With Laurel Dunn, The University of Georgia Athens Campus. Moderated by Ashley Hoppers, University of Georgia, Gilmer and Fannin Counties Extension.
New to food safety? Or just need a refresher? We will discuss current best practices for blueberry and other small fruit producers, including Produce Safety Rule and Good Agricultural Practices. Protect your livelihood by adopting and incorporating good food safety practices into your operation.
With Dr. Jennifer McEntire, United Fresh Produce Association. Moderated by Billy Mitchell, National Farmer Union, FSMA Training Coordinator.
Cyclospora is a parasite unlike any of the “normal” foodborne pathogens we’re accustomed to dealing with. The pattern of illnesses occurs predictably in the spring and summer Detection is cumbersome and expensive, and when it can be “detected”, it’s difficult to tell if it’s at a point in its life cycle where it is capable of causing illness. Improvements in clinical diagnostics show us that over 1,000 people are confirmed with Cyclosporiasis each year but routes of transmission and mechanisms to kill the organism continue to elude us. This session will explain these and other challenges, and discuss the initiative underway to provide industry and regulators with answers so this perplexing pathogen can be controlled.
With Dr. Trevor Gilbert, University of Arizona. Moderated by Billy Mitchell, National Farmer Union, FSMA Training Coordinator.
Get refreshed on the water requirements for the Produce Safety Rule, including possible updates and compliance dates.
With Brenden St. John, Produce Food Safety Services. Moderated by Jill Dunlap, USDA
Figuring out which food safety audit your operation needs can be a daunting task, and depends on several factors including the size of your operation, your buyer’s requirements, and your business goals. In this talk we will discuss the pros and cons of various audit schemes, as well as general recommendations to assist you as you select the audit that’s right for your farm.
With Dr. Kristin Woods, Alabama Extension. Moderated by Jill Dunlap, USDA
This session will highlight food safety risk from bird populations and their insect eating services to fruit and vegetable production. Join us to hear about recent research that suggests that all birds are not created equally. We will discuss practical considerations for reducing food safety risk from wildlife and targeting exclusion of bird species more likely to carry human pathogens and damage crops.
