Outbreaks of food-borne illness related to contamination of fresh produce by human pathogens continue to occur. Federal legislation has been proposed that could result in new rules and regulations for farmers in North Carolina and nationally. There is considerable debate about the application of these proposed rules. This symposium is targeted to growers, industry, academics, policymakers, regulators and Extension agents. The primary focus will be on professional recommendations for Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Handling Practices (GHPs) for fresh produce safety and protection of public health. Speakers will relay the details of fresh produce and food safety initiatives and research in their states, providing both regional and national perspectives.
| Date: | September 9, 2010 – 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Location: |
N.C. State Fairgrounds, Gov. James G. Martin Building (Find Using Google Maps) |
| Registration: | Registration deadline is September 6, 2010. A $20 registration fee is required. |
| Contact: |
Lisa Gordon |
Speakers include members of the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force
Dr. Keith Baldwin, Extension Specialist – Horticulture, N.C. A&T State University
Dr. Benjamin Chapman, Assistant Professor, Extension Food Safety Specialist, Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences, N.C. State University
Diane Ducharme, Extension Associate, GAPs Program Coordinator, N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family
Dr. Chris Gunter, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, N.C. State University
Dr. Trevor Phister, Assistant Professor, Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, N.C. State University
Invited Presenters
Dr. Larry Beuchat, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia
Dr. Renee Boyer, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech
Dr. Michelle Danyluk, Assistant Professor, University of Florida
Dr. Angie Fraser, Associate Professor, Food Safety Education Specialist, Clemson University
Dr. Kenneth Petersen, Audit Programs Coordinator, Fresh Produce Branch, USDA
Dr. Rob Williams, Associate Professor and Department Extension Leader, Virginia Tech
Funding from N.C. A&T State University. Sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force and N.C. Cooperative Extension.
