EXPANDING FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR UNDERSERVED FARMERS IN GREENE COUNTY, MO

ObjectivesIn partnership with MU Extension, this project will incorporate FSMA PSA training into the SCG farm incubator training model already in place, with a particular emphasis on the Burmese and Congolese populations, building the capacity of SCG to identify and implement appropriately customized food safety education and outreach programs to the BIPOC and Burmese and Congolese populations both during the grant timeframe and after the grant timeframe. Specific objectives for the project is as follows:Objective #1: In collaboration with MU Extension, SCG will develop replicable food safety education and outreach programs in Greene County, MO that address the needs of small, specialized farmer and gardener audiences whose food safety (FSMA) education needs have not previously been adequately addressed (specifically BIPOC and the Burmese and Congolese immigrant populations). This includes ensuring the FSMA curriculum is consistent with new FSMA rules and meet the socio-cultural needs of the target population (including translation services where appropriate) to encourage more participation in local and regional urban and rural farming by the target population.Objective #2: Provide 20 BIPOC/Burmese and Congolese 8 hrs of FSMA training for applicants with minimal food safety experience over 24 months in linguistically and culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive manners to allow for entry into production and sale, ultimately enhancing the target population's capacity to participate in agricultural careers throughout the region. Objective #3: Provide each participant with 30 hours of individual consultation per year to support food safety workshop training and implementation. Participants will also receive educational training sessions, hands-on education, and intensive mentoring through existing SCG garden leader, farmer apprentice, farmer assistant, and internship programming.Objective #4: Over 24 months, evaluate project activities, communicate with Regional Centers, and disseminate findings to both Regional Centers and the larger stakeholder community on effective target population outreach and food safety training practices.