Food Safety for Farmers
Food safety education is essential for farmers navigating the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), yet traditional training formats are not always accessible.
Expanding Access to Practical FSMA Education
Many formal food safety trainings are delivered as in‑person workshops or short courses offered at specific times and locations—often during peak growing seasons when farmers are least able to step away from their operations.
Through the Food Safety for Farmers initiative, Florida Organic Growers (FOG) worked to address these barriers by re‑imagining how food safety education is delivered. The program focused on creating flexible, on‑demand learning opportunities that farmers could access at their own pace, regardless of location, season, or schedule.
Program Focus & Impact
This initiative prioritized accessibility and inclusion, with an emphasis on serving:
New and beginning farmers
Experienced farmers located far from training sites
Spanish‑speaking growers
Producers with limited time to attend in‑person workshops
By offering webinars and podcast‑style learning, the program expanded access to critical food safety knowledge for farmers who face geographic, time, or language barriers.
Innovative Learning Approach
FOG developed a series of webinars and audio‑based educational resources designed to meet farmers where they are. Unlike traditional classroom‑based trainings, these resources:
- Are available online anytime
- Can be revisited as needed
- Reach a broader audience than in‑person events
- Reduce travel and time constraints for farmers
A key component of the program was the Road to Safe and Healthy Food educational series, which used real‑life scenarios and practical examples to encourage critical thinking. Farmers were invited to reflect on their own food safety assumptions and apply the guidance shared through the webinars to real challenges on their farms.
Lasting Value & Resources
The educational resources developed through Food Safety for Farmers continue to provide practical, producer‑focused guidance. Recorded webinars remain available and support farmers seeking accessible, real‑world information on FSMA‑related food safety topics.
These resources support farmers in:
- Understanding food safety requirements
- Identifying on‑farm risks
- Strengthening food safety decision‑making
- Implementing practical, realistic solutions
Explore the Webinar Library
Access recorded webinars and educational materials from the Food Safety for Farmers program to learn more about FSMA compliance and on‑farm food safety best practices.
➡ Watch the Food Safety for Farmers Webinars
- Food Safety For Farmers Webinars – Florida Organic Growers
- Food Safety For Producers (spanish) – Florida Organic Growers
