This workshop was held on two dates:
- Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 2:00-5:30 p.m.
McLean County Extension Office
1615 Commerce Parkway
Bloomington, IL 61704 - Friday, March 8, 2019 from 1:30-5:30 p.m.
University of Illinois Extension – Cook County Branch office
2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501
Westchester, IL 60154
Food safety is of the utmost importance to everyone involved in the food chain, especially to farmers. With the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requiring all fresh produce farmers to attend a Grower Training Course, many farmers feel overwhelmed with the task of managing food safety on their farms. Writing a food safety plan for your farm can help you organize and manage the task of complying with the law and managing your food safety risks. In this workshop, we will provide you with a template for crafting a food safety plan for your farm, walk you through the process of developing your plan, and provide you with access to experts who can answer your burning questions about managing food safety.
The workshop was led by:
Laurie George, University of Illinois Extension
Laurie George is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator through University of Illinois, specializing in Local Food Systems and Small Farms. She obtained her Masters and PhD degrees’ in Agricultural Science through Southern Illinois University. As an Educator, Laurie is responsible for the development and delivery of research-based educational programs concentrating on food safety, sustainable local food production, marketing of local food systems and initiatives, Integrated Pest Management, with special emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainability. In 2016, she completed her training to become a Lead Trainer in Illinois through the Produce Safety Alliance, and delivers grower trainings on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Rule throughout the state.
Zack Grant, University of Illinois Extension
Zack Grant educates, consults, and provides technical assistance in small scale, intensive and urban agriculture food production systems in the Chicago region and beyond. With growing interest in urban agriculture from both community food system and entrepreneurial perspectives, Zack plays a critical role in disseminating much needed production, financial, and systems-based information to urban agriculture practitioners through a variety of digital platforms and experiential training. He provides expertise in season extension/year-round production systems, organic/bio-intensive production systems, financial/ business planning for small farms, food safety, and post-harvest management.
