CDFA offers free produce safety training for California growers

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering free Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) grower training courses to California produce growers and handlers.

The remote, web-based courses help participants understand and comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, which sets minimum food safety standards for the production of fruits, vegetables and tree nuts.

The next training session is scheduled for September 23–24, 2025. The course will be conducted via Zoom, requiring a computer with reliable internet access, a webcam, microphone and speakers. Participants must attend all course modules, actively engage in discussions and have their videos on throughout the training to be eligible for the Certificate of Course Completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials.

• The PSA grower training course covers key topics including:
• Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and their presence on farms
• How to identify microbial risks and implement safety practices
• Components of a farm food safety plan
• Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and how to meet them

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate verifying their training. This certification is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and fulfills the FSMA requirement that at least one supervisor or responsible party from a farm must have completed food safety training equivalent to a standardized curriculum recognized by the FDA.

Registration is open to individuals who live and/or work in California. Participants will be asked to provide a California mailing address to receive course materials, which include the PSA Grower Training Manual and the certificate of completion.

This training opportunity is part of CDFA’s ongoing efforts to support California’s produce growers in enhancing food safety practices and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Get more details and register on the CDFA Produce Safety Program website.