Objectives:
The overarching goal of this project is to support the infrastructure of the national food safety program by communicating and coordinating information within the North Central Region (NCR) related to the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Control Rule.
The specific objectives of this project are:
Objective 1: Expand the successfully established produce safety network within the NCR
Objective 2: Develop and implement a communication system
Objective 3: Support for Food Safety Outreach Program Awards
Objective 4: Review of FSMA add-on materials and alternative curricula
Objective 5: Professional development for a cadre of regional FSMA trainers
Objective 6: Technical assistance to growers, processors, and vendors in the NCR
In partnership with educators, regulators, growers and food processors in all 12 states (Stakeholder Engagement), these objectives will be achieved by expanding the regional produce safety network, supporting FSOP grant awardees, and providing training for regional FSMA stakeholders. The team will build on the current educational infrastructure specific to the NCR (Systems Approach) to leverage existing relationships with the other regional centers, local food and tribal centers, FDA, USDA, the State Departments of Agriculture, and other existing relationships. We will support and review the development of add-on material and alternative curricula by FSOP awardees and extend technical assistance to the target audiences of growers, processors, vendors, and FSMA trainers.