May 2nd, 9am - noon | Jefferson County Extension Office
500 S Idaho St., Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Arkansas Produce Safety
Produce Washing Workshops*
*Produce washing workshops DO NOT satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements for covered farms and are not intended for farms that are subject to the rule.
Produce safety does not just apply to large-scale farms - there are plenty of ways that even small-scale growers can improve their produce washing and handling practices! We have developed a hands-on workshop for beginner and small-scale growers to demonstrate ways to incorporate produce safety in their own operations.
Sarah Bakker giving a Produce Washing Presentation at AR Grown Conference, January
2024.
Who should attend?
Small-scale farmers, backyard gardeners, homesteaders, and anyone interested in improving their fruit and vegetable washing and handling practices.
Our produce washing workshops are geared toward anyone interested in improving their fruit and vegetable washing and packing practices, no matter the scale of their operation. We take the large-scale recommendations for producers and scale it down with practical advice for small-scale operations. The workshops include hands-on activities and plenty of time to answer any pressing questions about washing and packaging produce.
What topics are covered?
- why produce safety is important on smaller operations
- what are generally considered to be “best practices” when washing and packing produce
- types of wash systems based on which crops will be grown
- what sanitizers are safe to use on produce
- how to choose a sanitizer and how to use it properly
- a basic and affordable wash/pack setup that even backyard gardeners can use
We will have a wash/pack system set up for participants to see how easy it is to create your own "pack shed" when you aren't ready to invest in a permanent setup. Participants will also be doing hands-on activities to demonstrate how to easily incorporate a sanitizer into your washing system.
What is the cost to attend?
Totally FREE! These workshops are only 3 hours long and are not as intensive as our Grower Trainings.
Upcoming Produce Washing Workshops:
May 21st, 1pm - 4pm | Faulkner County Extension Office
844 Faulkner St., Conway, AR 72034
If you don't see a workshop happening close to you, reach out to your local county extension agent and let them know you are interested!
QUESTIONS?
Contact Sarah Bakker at sbakker@uada.edu