Developing an Engaging Produce Safety Add-On Training for Soilless Growing Operations

The main objective of this proposed outreach project is to develop and implement new food safety curricula customized to soilless growing operations to address food safety and best practices related to fresh produce production. As there is currently no comprehensive food safety curriculum for this area, there is a critical need for the development of materials and resources to assist these individuals, and particularly those with small- to mid-size operations. The goal is to train and prepare small-size hydroponic and aquaponic growers to meet the regulation standards for produce safety and adopt food safety practices specific to the operation setting. The four objectives of this Collaborative Education and Training Project include:Objective 1: Conduct team capacity building and comprehensive needs assessment discussion to educate hydroponic and aquaponic growers on food safety practices.Objective 2: Develop food safety curricula and supplemental educational materials detailing best practices for food safety for hydroponic and aquaponic growers, aligning with the food safety requirements of the Produce Safety Rule and Good Agricultural Practices.Objective 3: Conduct Train-the-Trainer workshops to train extension and service providers in proving training for soilless growing operations and deliver Grower Training for hydroponic and aquaponic growers.Objective 4: Evaluate the project using a mixed-method approach to assess knowledge gain and program impact.