Do You Need PBPT for the Upcoming Season? Produce Best Practices Training for safe food handling
As we launch into spring (hello, 70 degrees!), as growers, we are likely all starting seeds for the upcoming season, weeding those overwintered crops, and taking stock of hard goods to ensure the harvest season starts off without a hitch. Hopefully, you have already decided on your market channels for the year and are in the process of understanding what may be required of your farm to make those sales. A good example of this would be obtaining a certificate for the Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT) to offer samples at the Farmers' Market. While this Kentucky-specific training is currently voluntary, some markets and wholesale buyers may require PBPT as an added layer of confidence to know the growers they work with have been trained in safe food handling procedures.
So, if it’s not required by the state, why should you complete PBPT?
Well, aside from a future buyer potentially requiring it, PBPT is full of helpful tips and tricks to ensure your produce is safe to eat. We've all heard about foodborne illnesses on the news, and I can’t be the only one who gets a twinge of panic when a friend says they’ve been feeling sick—and you know you recently shared some homegrown lettuce with them! Having PBPT under your belt can help alleviate those moments of worry by equipping you with knowledge on safe harvesting, washing, and even field preparation for any style of fruit or vegetable production.
Another important fact to note:
PBPT is intended for growers producing $25,000 or less in produce sales, averaged over a rolling three-year period. More specifically, it applies to products that are often consumed raw. If your farm averages more than $25,000 in sales, you may need to undergo a more in-depth training and set of farm standards known as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). However, if your sales exceed $25,000 but are under $500,000, you may be eligible for a qualified exemption. Confused yet? No worries—we can help! You can find more information on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s website: https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/produce-safety.html. If you're more of a visual learner, this FDA flowchart may be useful: https://www.fda.gov/media/94332/download.
Bring on PBPT!
If you’ve made it this far and are thinking, “I need PBPT, and I make under $25,000 in produce sales—how do I get it?” The answer is simple: contact your county extension office! Your local Horticulture or Agriculture Agent can assist you in completing the training and will send your information to the KDA to mail your certificate. Depending on your agent and the number of people in your area needing the training, it may be delivered in person or online. New to the area and not sure how to find your county extension office? No problem—just follow this link: https://extension.ca.uky.edu/county.