March 16, 2021
In this issue

Farm to School Connection


Produce Safety Grower Trainings


Learning & Networking Opportunities
Farm to School Connection

Calling all Arkansas farmers! We know that finding the perfect partner can be tough, so we're here to help build lasting relationships between local farms and schools. Join us to learn how to participate in the Arkansas Farm to School program. We will review purchasing and selling local food and connect potential partners in a regional breakout session.


When: Thursday, March 18th
2-3pm CST

Where: Online (Zoom)

Cost: FREE!
THE SHARE GROUNDS
IS HIRING!

Interested in helping lead and innovate the food system in Arkansas? Then consider applying for the Food Product Development and Produce Aggregation – Program Technician.

This position is suited for someone with experience in agriculture, agricultural education, horticulture, food science, engineering, food service or manufacturing such as in a restaurant, food processing facility, institutional kitchens, food handling, food distribution or related areas.

See the job posting for more information including a description, responsibilities, duties, skills and requirements.
Spring Produce Safety
Grower Trainings
Upcoming Remote Produce Safety Grower Trainings:

ο»Ώ
The training will be split into two days and will take place from 8:00 am to
ο»Ώ12:30 pm both days. This training will be conducted live through Zoom.
Who should attend:
Anyone who grows, harvests, packs and handles fresh fruits and vegetables. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Sign up soon to reserve your spot.
Why you should attend:
On-farm food safety practices are vital in the produce industry. Many farms are now required to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This training will educate growers on the Produce Safety Rule. Upon completion of this training, participants receive a certificate satisfying the requirement 112.22(c) in the Produce Safety Rule.*
What is required to receive a certificate:
You must attend both days of the training. Additionally, you must have the following:
  • Internet access
  • Zoom video conferencing software**
  • Web camera
  • Microphone
When is the registration deadline:
Registration closes at 11:59 pm on March 24th for the March/April training.
Registration closes at 11:59 pm on April 28th for the May training.
ο»Ώ
Training materials will be mailed to your residence. Registration closes seven days before the training to accommodate ordering materials and mailing them to you.
*Participant attendance and engagement will be monitored. Participants are only eligible for a PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion if they are present for all modules of the course and have the physical training manual with them for the training.

**Once you receive the registration link, you will be prompted to download the free Zoom software. You do not have to create an account to participate.
Learning & Networking Opportunities
2021 Southeastern Strawberry School Webinar Series

Do you want to learn more about strawberry production? Join the year-long webinar series covering the basics of commercial strawberry production! These six classes describe the major management practices and crop development that happen in each season of the year. Hear from experts across the southeastern region and follow along to learn how to set up, manage and grow your strawberry operation. Links to the presentation recordings will be available after each session. Funding provided by the Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium. 
Looking for more learning opportunities? Check out our online resources!
Don't miss any updates! Sign up to receive news on all things local, regional and safe foods through our newsletters.
Stay in touch! Follow us and Share our newsletter on social media.

Looking for more resources? View our YouTube playlist and visit our website for more information.