MEXICO, Mo. – Learn about produce safety and agritourism at a tour of Hickory Ridge Orchards in Mexico, Mo., 1-3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9.

University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Farmers Union sponsor the event. This tour will highlight ways in which produce safety best practices are integrated into crop production, U-pick operations, worker training and farm management plans.

“Implementing produce safety practices on the farm is essential to ensure customers end up with a safe product on their table,” says MU Extension field specialist in horticulture Justin Keay.

“Based on sales volume, some growers are required to follow the rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, but all should be striving to implement best practices to reduce foodborne illness,” says Keay.

Hickory Ridge Orchard, a U-pick orchard for apples and sunflowers, opened in 2018. It also offer pumpkins, gourds and mums for sale seasonally, as well as home baked goods and apple cider.

Register online at https://mizzou.us/OrchardTour by Sept. 5. For more information, call 573-324-5464.