By Scout Nelson
University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension opens registration for its 2027 First Tuesday Produce Safety Webinar series. The free training program helps fruit and vegetable farmers learn practical ways to reduce food safety risks, protect product quality, and keep fresh produce safe for customers.
The webinars take place on the first Tuesday of each month from January through May 2027, between noon and 1 p.m. Central Time. All sessions are held online through Zoom, and registration is required. Registered participants receive meeting links, and recordings are shared with everyone who signs up.
The program is designed for farmers who want updated information about produce safety, those seeking a refresher after Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) or Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) training, and staff or service providers working with fruit and vegetable farms. It is also useful for farmers selling schools, food hubs, grocery stores, and farmers' markets.
The webinar schedule covers five important topics:
January 5, 2027 – Cyclospora and Foodborne Outbreak Response for Small Farms: Experts discuss the 2026 summer outbreaks involving Cyclospora, E. coli and Salmonella. Farmers learn prevention steps and ways to communicate with customers during foodborne illness outbreaks.
February 2, 2027 – Postharvest Handling and Curing Fall Storage Crops: This session covers proper washing, curing, temperature and humidity conditions for potatoes, onions and winter squash to improve storage life and food safety.
March 2, 2027 – Washing, Handling and Storage for Summer Crops: Farmers learn suitable handling methods for tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, radishes and salad mixes. Topics include hydrocooling and situations where water should be avoided.
April 6, 2027 – Low-Cost Produce Coolers: Experts share research-based, affordable cooling options and design ideas for small and medium-sized farms. The session also provides tips for building produce coolers on limited budgets.
May 4, 2027 – Meeting Buyer Requirements for Food Safety: Participants learn how to prepare farm food safety plans and records. The session explains requirements related to GAP audits and buyers such as schools, food hubs, and retailers.
The webinar series gives farmers access to the UMN Extension food safety team, experienced growers and industry experts. Participants can register at https://z.umn.edu/ProduceSafetyWebinars2027.
More information about farm food safety resources and training programs is available at UMN Extension's Growing Safe Food webpage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables