MU Extension Hosts FSMA Grower Training in St. Louis

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension will host an in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training on April 1 at its St. Louis Metro Extension Center, offering Missouri growers a key opportunity to meet federal food safety requirements.

According to MU Extension horticulturist Eliza Pessereau, this session is the only training scheduled in Missouri in 2026 that fulfills the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

Under FSMA guidelines, at least one supervisor or responsible individual from each covered farm must complete an approved training based on a standardized curriculum recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The course focuses on science-based standards for growing, harvesting, packing and storing fresh produce to minimize microbial contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness 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,” Cabrera-Garcia 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 full-day program covers worker health and hygiene, soil amendments, wildlife and land use concerns, agricultural water quality, postharvest sanitation and the development of a farm food safety plan.

Participants who complete the course will receive certification from the Association of Food and Drug Officials Produce Safety Alliance. Registration assistance is available for eligible beginning and veteran farmers in select Missouri counties.

For registration, visit https://pears.io/events/mu/4158/.

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