Education and Training
On Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR)
• OFRR is an educational opportunity intended to walk growers through what a Produce Safety inspection may look like and provide recommendations to improve their on-farm produce safety practices.
• Provides a personalized discussion about a farm’s food safety activities and alignment to what is required by the rule.
• It is entirely free and voluntary.
• Conducted by TDA and UT Extension
• Reach out to Cathy Rubin (Catherine.Rubin@tn.gov) or Brooke Emery (bemery@utk.edu) to schedule!
Technical Assistance
• Technical Assistance on Produce Safety concerns such as:
• understanding produce safety requirements under the PSR
• providing support tools for farm staff training
• providing general best management practices for improving on-farm produce safety
• finding grant funding options for upgrading practices
• Assistance can either be in person, email or phone call
Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Growers Training
• PSA Grower Training Course is the foundation that teaches the clear understanding of practices and regulations contained in the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and co-management information, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.
• It is a critical requirement of the PSR for those farms covered under the rule, however, the training is offered to all growers, independent of coverage.
• This training satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement for covered farms that "at least one supervisor or responsible party" completes "food safety training … recognized as adequate” by FDA (21 C.F.R. §112.22(c)).
• TDA has partnered with University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) to offer training (in person and remote) through out the year.
• For upcoming trainings, visit PSA Growers Training Schedule, visit PSA Growers Training Schedule.
Produce Safety Events and Workshop
• TDA and UTIA are hosting various Food Safety Workshops throughout the year.
• For upcoming events and workshops, visit UT Institute of Agriculture.
To get more information on OFRR, Technical Assistance and PSA Growers Training please email Produce.Safety@tn.gov or call the Food Safety line at (615) 837-5193
Additional Resources:
Southern Center For Food Safety Training, Outreach and Technical Assistance