Jan 8, 2021

Maryland sets Advanced Good Agricultural Practices webinar series

The Maryland Food Safety Network, comprised of the University of Maryland, The Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Law Education Initiative will be hosting a series of Advanced Good Agricultural Practices virtual webinars geared towards produce safety this winter.

Held on Tuesday mornings Feb. 2 to March 9 from 7-8 a.m. the Advanced Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) webinar Series will break down key aspects in preparing for a Harmonized GAP audit, as well as convey pertinent produce safety updates to prepare you for the 2021 season. Register today at https://mdadvancedgap2021.eventbrite.com

Each Advanced GAP webinar will provide registered attendees educational materials and a certificate of completion. Webinars are free but require registration on Eventbrite and working internet to attend. All webinars will be recorded and made available to watch after the live session has ended. Check out the webinar topics below!

Feb. 2, 7-8 a.m.

Introduction: Taking the Next Step in On-Farm Produce Safety

Find out how to prepare for a harmonized GAP audit by learning the logistics of this audit process and pertinent produce safety updates for the 2021 season.

Feb. 16, 7-8:30 a.m.

Preparing for Harmonized GAP: Writing Written Risk Assessments

Discover how to efficiently and effectively construct written assessments to account for food safety risks on your operation and align with HGAP requirements. 

Feb. 23, 7:00am – 8:00am

Research Spotlight: Salmonella in Mid-Atlantic Irrigation Water Sources

Learn about food safety water quality issues in the Mid-Atlantic and how to manage your water sources for Harmonized GAP

March 2, 7-8 a.m.

Preparing for Harmonized GAP: Product Traceability and Getting Recall Ready

Become more confident in recording the inputs you use to make your product, being able to trace  your product to your buyers, and prepping for a recall.

 March 9, 7-8 a.m.

COVID-19 Updates and Resources for the 2021 Season

Keep up to date with Maryland COVID-19 requirements for your farm operation and learn about the resources available to help you keep your workers and customers safe.

This webinar series is recommended for produce farmers who have a written food safety plan and are looking for more in-depth guidance to implementing food safety programs on the farm. If you need assistance in food safety basics or constructing a food safety plan for your operation, check out our Basic GAP workshop at psla.umd.edu/extension/produce-safety.

It is important to note that attending these webinars does not suffice the regulatory requirement § 112.22(c) of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. A separate training addresses this, which can be found at the above link.

Feel free to reach out to Angela Ferelli at [email protected], (301)-405-8922 or Carol Allen [email protected] for questions regarding this series.