University of Missouri Extension and Millsap Farms will hold a free produce safety workshop and farm tour 1-3 p.m. Oct. 29.
The 20-acre family farm is 4 miles north of Springfield. The Millsaps grow vegetables and flowers on two of the farm's 20 acres; they also use high tunnels and greenhouses.
The diversified farm uses organic practices and sells produce through farmers markets, restaurant sales and a year-round, 185-member CSA. A Thursday evening Pizza Club features pizza from a wood-fired oven, locally raised meats, seasonal produce and cheeses.
"Produce safety is an essential part of any produce farming operation," says MU Extension horticulturist Justin Keay. "This workshop will highlight potential food safety risks on the farm as well as how to mitigate them."
Keay says the workshop also will offer an overview of regulatory requirements of produce safety as well as implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS) on the farm. MU horticulturist Patrick Byers will lead the workshop. MU Extension specialists will highlight resources that support produce safety. The workshop will include a tour of the farm's growing, processing and packing areas.
Missouri Farmers Union and Springfield Community Gardens sponsor the workshop.
Keay suggests that attendees arrive 10 minutes before the 1 p.m. starting time.
Millsap Farms is at 6593 Emu Lane, Springfield.
For questions, email Patrick Byers at byerspl@missouri.edu or call the MU Extension Center in Webster County at 573-882-7477.
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Education