Expanding the reach of New Hampshire’s food safety education and FSMA programs to include value added processors

This proposed project aims to utilize the core features of UNH Cooperative Extension's robust and successful existing food safety program (SAFE: Safety Awareness in the Food Environment), shape it for the farm value-added food processing community, and add the Pre-requisite Programs of Current Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures and FSMA compliance. By expanding the current curriculum, the program will reach the broader audience of farmers and food processors, including new Americans, and will provide them with knowledge of food safety regulations, skills in safe food handling practices, and guidance in development of cGMPs and SOPs.Objectives 1. Expand the SAFE program curriculum to incorporate skill and knowledge development for farmers and food processors in: 1) Methods of food contamination, 2) The science of foodborne illnesses, 3) Practical methods to prevent foodborne illnesses, 4) How to determine if FSMA compliance is necessary and if so, how to meet compliance mandates, 5) How to develop and apply Current Good Manufacturing Processes and Standard Operating Procedures, and 6) Understanding what resources are available to assist as needed in the future.2. Deliver the expanded SAFE curriculum to farmers and processors throughout New Hampshire, including new Americans, in a format that incorporates both learning and application into the training sessions so that participants leave with self-created resources specific to their operations, including draft food safety plans, CGMPS, and SOPs.3. Evaluate the impact of our training program as measured by changes implemented in farm and food businesses to achieve regulatory compliance and improve food safety.4. Share project outcomes and impacts with regional partners, stakeholders, NECAFS' recently completed clearinghouse and, new Regional Centers.