The goal of this proposal was to expand programming for existing collaborative efforts providing specialty crop food safety outreach in central, NW, and NE Oklahoma. Supplemental workshops provided training and technical assistance education, targeting Oklahoma specialty crops producers, beginning farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers.
Oklahoma State University Extension has established partnerships with stakeholders such as the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and community based organizations within the state. These groups were leveraged to maximize training effectiveness and delivery opportunities. The programs were led by a core group of educators within Oklahoma who focus on supporting the produce industry.
This funding allowed for the delivery of food safety curriculum and included a few successful workshops. OSU will continue to lead this course (as demand permits) beyond the terms of funding. This course provided a cost effective way for producers to learn more about food safety on their farm and participate in a hands-on mock audit. By participating in this program, several farmers identified food safety concerns on their operation and learned ways they could improve food safety on their farm.