Train-the-Trainer courses being offered by Produce Safety Alliance

Train-the-Trainer courses by the Produce Safety Alliance are well underway for 2016, with courses in 2017 already scheduled. PSA’s Train-the-Trainer courses are for produce safety educators and others who work with fruit and vegetable growers who are interested in becoming PSA Trainers or PSA Lead Trainers. Those who become a PSA Trainer or PSA Lead Trainer are able to offer the PSA standardized curriculum to train fresh produce growers to meet the regulatory requirements in the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This curriculum was developed through a nationwide collaboration including produce growers, extension educators, researchers, produce industry representatives, and government personnel. Scheduled dates and locations for Train-the-Trainer courses are:

• Oct. 17-18, 2016 – Albuquerque, New Mexico (Integrated)
• Oct. 20-21, 2016 – Denver, Colorado (Integrated)
• Oct. 24-25, 2016 – Montgomery, Alabama
• Nov. 7-8, 2016 – Overton, Texas (Integrated)
• Nov. 14-15, 2016 – Irvine, California
• Nov. 16-17, 2016 – Brattleboro, Vermont (Integrated)
• Nov. 17-18, 2016 – Salinas, California
• Nov. 29-30, 2016 – Kansas City (Olathe), Kansas
• Jan. 11-12, 2017 – St. Augustine, Florida
• Feb. 15-16, 2017 – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
• Feb. 27-28, 2017 – Honolulu, Hawaii

Total costs to attend a PSA Train-the-Trainer Course will vary. Set costs include PSA educational materials for trainers ($75) and a Certificate of Course Attendance issued by the Association of Food and Drug Officials ($50). Those that want to become a PSA Lead Trainer will incur an additional cost to cover the additional PSA Lead Trainer certificate and supplemental application process. All other training costs (such as venue and meals) will vary depending on location and availability of funding. If you choose to become a PSA Lead Trainer, the PSA Lead Trainer Supplemental Application will cost $325 for non-profit organizations and $500 for for-profit organizations. This fee covers the cost of the PSA Lead Trainer Review Committee member’s time reviewing and approving applications, as well as any time spent conducting follow-up interviews with applicants.