In this issue:

Local Foods Open Space Discussion

Remote Produce Safety Training

Webinar Opportunities

Audit/Inspection Updates

Other COVID-19 Resources
Local Foods Open Space Discussion


April 27, 2020 | 2:30 to 4:00 PM

This meeting is intended for the farming and food industry.

Join us for a special edition of Local Foods Open Space. Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez and Julia Fryer will be featured on this month's Network Conversations hosted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Dr. Perez and Julia will be discussing produce safety in school and community gardens and providing resources on best practices during this global pandemic.

The next Local Foods Open Space Discussion will be on May 11th. This meeting is free, but registration is required.
Did you miss the last Local Foods Open Space Discussion? Watch the recording now to learn about U-Pick and Farmers Market best practices during this global pandemic.
Last Call for Remote Produce Safety Training

On-farm food safety practices are vital in the produce industry. Now, many farms are required to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. The Produce Safety Alliance created a grower training to 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.
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!
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 April 19th . Training materials will be mailed to your residence. Registration closes 3 weeks before the training to accommodate ordering materials and mailing them to you.
*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.

**P articipant 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**
Webinar Opportunities
The Basics of Producing Value-Added Food Products from Farmers Market Surplus

April 21, 2020
12 pm - 1 pm

Join Drs. Renee Threlfall, Amanda McWhirt, and graduate studen t Morgan Gramlich as they di scuss the steps and economics for using certified kitchens or Cottage Food Law to create value-added products from surplus produce collected at farmers markets or on-farm. Learn about the results from their trials collecting un-sold produce at an Arkansas farmers market and turning it into three different value-added food products.
Wallace Center Briefing: Food & Farm Business Navigate the CARES Act


Recording



On April 8th, The Wallace Center hosted a webinar to assist food and farm businesses in navigating the C ARES Act financial assistance programs. This call was geared toward technical assistance providers, support organizations and other advocates who are assisting small to midsize farmers & food enterprises primarily working in local and regional value chains to access emergency assistance.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Farmers/Ranchers Affected by COVID-19

Recording


If you own a farm and are suffering lost or reduced revenue because of COVID-19, unemployment insurance benefits may help provide income during this time. Unemployment benefits have been extended to farmers to cover for a portion of lost income Join us to learn who, what, where, when and how. Learn about additional resources to help farmers apply and show their eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Audit and Inspection Updates
With the COVID-19 Pandemic changing the way things have always been done, what should farmers expect when it comes to farm audits and inspections? Check out the information below to see how Primus and FDA are approaching audits and inspections during this time.
Other COVID-19 Resources
For more information and resource s on COVID-19, check out our Extension site dedicated t o bringing you science-based information.
Check out this FDA resource on COVID-19 and food safety.
The EPA has a list (List N) of disinfectants to use against COVID-19.
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