In the News - January 2008
Food safety on the farm subject of workshop
LITTLE ROCK - Good agricultural production and handling practices are the
topics of a one-day food safety workshop Friday, February 1 at the University of
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service state office in Little Rock. The workshop
is sponsored by the extension service and Arkansas Agriculture Department.
"Participants will increase their knowledge of the Food and Drug
Administration's (FDA) recommendations for good agricultural practices and good
handling practices," said Dr. Ron Rainey, associate professor of agriculture
economics for the extension service. "In addition to learning these
recommendations, participants will also learn about the USDA's Federal-State
auditing program."
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers, as well as, processors and handlers
of produce are encouraged to attend the workshop. Educators and industry
representatives interested in increasing their knowledge of recommended
agricultural production and handling practices and the auditing program are also
encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in commercial produce marketing is
invited to attend.
The following groups will present information: the USDA's fruit and vegetable
section, Arkansas Agriculture Department, a produce grower, third-party auditor
and experts working in produce retail and wholesale distribution. Presenters
also include representatives from Del Monte Fresh Produce, Wal-Mart and Primus
Labs. These presentations will discuss the importance of evaluating food safety
measures and the value of assessing business practices. A new program from the
Arkansas Agriculture Department assisting growers with the costs of
participating in an auditing program will also be presented.
"Food safety begins on the farm, and the Arkansas Agriculture Department
supports the adoption of good agricultural production and handling practices as
important components in the reduction of food safety hazards," said Tim Ellison,
marketing director for the Arkansas Agriculture Department.
The auditing program on the agenda will help the produce industry verify
voluntary adherence to the FDA's "Guide to minimize microbial food safety
hazards for fresh fruits and vegetables." Personnel with the federal-state
inspection service (FSIS) review a participant's facility, agronomic practices
and documented procedures to determine if good agricultural and handling
practices are maintained.
There is no cost to attend this workshop. Registration deadline is Tuesday,
January 28, 2008. For more information about the workshop and to register, visit
www.aragriculture.org/marketing/ag_handling_information.htm, or contact
Brenda Duggins at bduggins@uaex.edu, and
501-671-2347.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
January 18, 2008
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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