Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is organizing several training sessions focused on produce safety as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Grower Training Courses. These courses are intended for fruit and vegetable growers, as well as others interested in learning about produce safety, FSMA regulations, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and the co-management of natural resources with food safety.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring stated, "Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety should attend. Attending a session will satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party on a farm to complete food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration."
The training sessions are free for produce growers. Non-produce growers can participate for a fee of $100. While priority registration is given to North Dakota growers, all fruit and vegetable producers across the United States are eligible to attend.
Sessions are scheduled for December 10, 2025; January 14, 2026; January 28, 2026; and February 11, 2026. All courses will be conducted remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including a lunch break. Participants must have internet access to join.
Topics covered during the training include an introduction to produce safety, worker health and hygiene, soil amendments, wildlife and land use considerations, agricultural water management, postharvest handling and sanitation practices, as well as guidance on developing a farm food safety plan. Each topic also highlights important aspects of FSMA requirements. The format allows time for questions and discussion.
Registration details can be found at www.ndda.nd.gov/produce-safety-course. Course materials will be mailed before each session begins. To receive a certificate of completion, participants must keep their camera on throughout the course day and actively engage in discussions.
For additional information or questions regarding the sessions or FSMA rules, contact Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.
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