Good agricultural practices class at Local Roots
Melanie Lewis Ivey is an assistant professor in plant pathology and a state fresh produce safety specialist who co-leads the OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team.
Anyone interested in the best practices for growing produce locally is invited to sign up for an upcoming Ohio State University class to be held in downtown Wooster on Feb. 13 from 6-9 p.m. at Local Roots Market and Cafe.
"Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety and federal food safety regulations would benefit from this class," said Melanie Lewis Ivey, assistant professor in plant pathology, state fresh produce safety specialist.
Lewis Ivey co-leads the OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team with Dr. Sanja Ilic. According to Lewis Ivey, Ohio is one of 39 states utilizing the National Good Agricultural Practices Program. Established in 1999 and revised in 2013, the GAP program is continually updated and revised to keep pace with current science and federal food safety laws.
The upcoming GAP class is suitable for large- or small-scale organic or conventional growers. Those attending should be aware that "taking this course will not result in your farm being GAP certified," Lewis Ivey said. "GAP certification is done by a third party and involves successful completion of an on-farm audit."
Four food safety hazards found on the farm will be the focus of the class: water, workers, wildlife and waste. The program is "intended to improve fresh produce growers understanding of pre-harvest and post-harvest production practices that can be implemented to reduce and mitigate food safety risks on the farm," Lewis Ivey said.
The Food Safety Modernization Act — Fresh Produce Safety Rule regulations will be discussed in the context of the listed farm safety hazards. Information on the availability of more in-depth produce safety trainings is available at www.gaps.cornell.edu.
The potential risks associated with the handling of manure and compost also will be addressed in the class.
"The use of manure or compost is a sustainable way to improve soil health and crop nutrition," Lewis Ivey said. "However, depending on how and when manure or compost is added to the soil, it can be a food safety hazard. Knowing the risk level associated with handling and applying manure or compost can help growers make informed management decisions."
Many covered topics are ones that affect everyone who is attempting to grow food, whether commercially or simply to become more self-sufficient.
"For example," Lewis Ivey said, "in this class growers will learn about the importance of hand washing, when and how to apply compost to reduce cross contamination of produce, why using collected rain water can be a food safety hazard, and how to manage pets, farm animals and wildlife to prevent contamination of produce."
The GAP training program is provided through Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center along with various grants.
"The Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association has been a strong supporter of this program," Lewis Ivey said.
Preregistration is requested by Feb. 6. Walk-ins are not preferred and will be welcomed as space allows.
To preregister, send payment of $30 per person to OSU Extension Wayne County, 428 W. Liberty St., Suite 12, Wooster, OH 44691. Include name, phone number, email and amount. To find a link to a registration form online that may be printed and mailed, go to www.producesafety.osu.edu/.
GAP training can be requested at any time and in any Ohio county with a minimum of 10 participants. Contact the appropriate county extension office. For more information go to https://producesafety.osu.edu/good-agricultural-practices/training-programs.
"Local Roots is happy to host the GAP training session," said Jessica Eikleberry, Local Roots manager. "Food safety is so important for anyone producing food for themselves or to sell. We are lucky to have OSU/OARDC experts in our community. Even those who have been growing for years could probably learn something from them."
Local Roots Market and Cafe is located at 140 S. Walnut St., Wooster.