MU Extension offers produce safety training in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer an in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower training on April 1 at the St. Louis Metro MU Extension center.

MU Extension horticulturist Eliza Pessereau said the course is the only training in Missouri in 2026 that satisfies the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule requirement. Under the FSMA, at least one supervisor or responsible party from a farm must complete this training which includes standardized curriculum recognized by the Food and Drug Administration.

This training uses science-based minimum standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding produce to prevent microbial contamination and avoid produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks, said Juan Cabrera-Garcia, MU Extension state horticulture specialist.

“Produce growers take tremendous pride in the food they bring to their communities. This training isn’t just about meeting a regulation. It’s about protecting the people who rely on them,” Cabrera-Garcia said.

“We want farmers to feel confident that what they grow is not only high-quality and nutritious, but also safe for every consumer who buys it,” he added. “The course helps farmers rethink their day-to-day practices, recognize potential sources of contamination and develop practical, prioritized plans to reduce risks on their farms. It’s about building a stronger culture of food safety so our local food supply stays trustworthy from seed to sale.”

The daylong training covers best practices on produce safety; worker health, hygiene and training; soil amendments; wildlife, domesticated animals and land use; agricultural water; postharvest handling and sanitation; and how to develop a farm food safety plan.

After training, participants receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials Produce Safety Alliance.

Funds to support this training are available through the Missouri Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, which covers registration fees for beginning farmers and beginning veteran farmers from St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County.

Details and registration. Contact Pessereau at eliza.pessereau@missouri.edu for more information.