The Produce Safety Rule states that at least one responsible person must complete training equivalent to the standardized curriculum recognized by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if the farm is a covered farm: 

• that sells over $500,000 (three year average) worth of fresh produce OR 

• that sells more than $25,000 and up to $500,00 (three year average), if they do not meet the requirements of the Qualified Exemption 

(These dollar amounts are updated annually using the inflation calculator found here.  Input the original year of 2011 and the original dollar amounts, such as $500,000 or $25,000 to get the current adjusted limit.) 

Presently, the only grower training program that meets the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule is the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training.  The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) developed this FDA approved curricula.   Information regarding the course can be found here:  https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/training/ 

The produce safety community believes that all growers should be knowledgeable of the standards that now govern the industry.  We encourage all growers, regardless of compliance status, to take the course. 

The University of Connecticut Extension offers the PSA Grower Training course several times per year, during the winter off-season.  UConn Extension offers both virtual and in-person options. 

If you would like to be on the email list to be notified of course registration information, please email: indu.upadhyaya@uconn.edu.