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Interactive Approach to Engage Socially Disadvantaged Farmers on FSMA Produce Safety Rule Program

E'licia Chaverest and Duncan M. Chembezi

Summary

Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Small Farms Research Center Food Safety Moderation Act (FSMA) Educational Program was designed to educate new and beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource farmers in Alabama on good agricultural practices. In addition, the program has extended its reach to educate the general public on food safety issues and train and educate local extension agents, farmers market managers and agricultural organizations on food safety issues. The project's long-term goal is to assist and support farmers by providing GAP training and FSMA PSR education, resources, support, and provide ongoing technical assistance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that each year 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food or beverages and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses. So, the rationale is that preparing socially disadvantaged limited resource farmers with the research-based foundational principles of produce safety, food safety liability risks and management skills will help them make better food safety decisions and comply with FSMA and become more profitable. Therefore, the Food Safety Moderation Act (FSMA) PSR training program is vital for the success of their farm operation. This presentation will focus on an interactive approach used to educate this target audience located in rural and urban communities, the challenges of implementation of the project, and highlight success stories (impacts and outcomes).

Details

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