May 18, 2021

Produce Safety Alliance adds Midwest Regional Extension Associate

Laurie George joined the Produce Safety Alliance May 17 as the Midwest Regional Extension Associate.

George received her Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in Plant, Soils and Agricultural Sciences from Southern Illinois University. She worked in Extension for 10 years prior to joining the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) team and lives in southern Illinois. George is a PSA Trainer-of-Trainers and has been teaching the online GAPs course through eCornell.<

George joins the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) team after specializing in small farms and local foods for University of Illinois Extension. Her main responsibilities were for the development and delivery of research-based programs and educational materials concentrating on food safety issues, sustainable local food production, advancement of local food systems and initiatives, and marketing of locally grown produce into commerce.

She has been involved with educating growers on good agricultural practices and best management practices since 2013 and is currently involved with food-safety related projects and training programs. George enjoys working with growers to help them understand the fundamentals of food safety and how it relates to the farm environment.

The PSA is a collaborative project between Cornell University, USDA and the FDA. The overarching objective of this project is to provide the produce industry and associated groups with training and educational opportunities related to current best practices and guidance, and future regulatory requirements by establishing the PSA.

The curricula will include GAPs and the provisions included within the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Outreach efforts will focus on fresh produce growers, packers, and grower cooperatives with special emphasis on small and very small scale farms and packinghouses. Small operations may be defined as those who currently direct market to consumers, have gross sales of under $500,000, or have an immediate need of assistance in understanding and implementing food safety practices.