Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is organizing several training sessions for produce growers to help them comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. These courses are aimed at fruit and vegetable producers who want to learn more about food safety requirements, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources.

“Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety should attend,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Attending a session will satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party on a farm to complete food safety training recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

The department will offer these courses at no cost for produce growers, while non-produce growers can attend for a $100 fee. Priority registration is given to North Dakota growers, but all U.S. fruit and vegetable producers may participate.

Training sessions are scheduled for December 10, 2025; January 14, 2026; January 28, 2026; and February 11, 2026. Each course runs remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., requiring participants to have an internet connection. The agenda covers topics such as worker health and hygiene, soil amendments, wildlife management in agriculture, agricultural water use, postharvest handling practices, sanitation procedures, and developing a farm food safety plan.

Each topic includes important elements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements. The format allows time for questions so attendees can discuss their own experiences with produce safety.

Registration is available online through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website at www.ndda.nd.gov/produce-safety-course. Course materials will be sent out ahead of each session. To receive a certificate of completion—which fulfills FDA requirements—participants must keep their camera on throughout the course day and engage actively in discussions.

For further information or questions about the sessions or FSMA regulations, individuals can contact Jenna Nieters at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov.