February 16, 2021
In this issue:
Visit our YouTube Page
Advanced GAP Webinar Series
A Legal Guide to Direct Farm Marketing for Maryland Produce Growers
Announcing: Agriculture and Food Systems
Breakfast with the Food Safety Group
Coping with COVID-19 Restrictions, PYO Strategies for Success
For the produce grower, the highlight of the winter season is the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention typically held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Though the venue had changed to virtual, there was still plenty of good information to be obtained. Some of the sessions I enjoyed the most reported on how PYO operations kept their fields open to consumers and did so safely.
When federal, state and local restrictions were announced in the early spring of 2020, most PYO strawberry and blueberry producers probably feared the worst. H2A workers were delayed entry into the United States, and people were denied gatherings of any sort. It did not look like the early crops, already ripening in the field, would make it to the consumer. Fortunately, valuable mitigation steps were suggested, and worried consumers could look to sources other than grocery stores for fresh produce.
Photo credit, Carol Allen
Here are some of the take-away points that impressed me.
1. Local farm markets were suddenly popular, and producers both large and small initiated online selling and curb-side pickup, methods they had never considered before.
2. PYO producers implemented safe methods of picking and selling. Notable was spacing in the field. All visitors were instructed to stay six feet apart, except family groups. Customers were directed to pick every other row. Children were to stay with their guardians and not allowed to wander. There were no group parties permitted, and no school groups were allowed to visit.
3. Prepaid boxes cut down on check-out times and reduced staff and customer interaction. Several growers sold the pre-sized boxes on their websites, further reducing interaction with staff. During panel discussions, these growers remarked that the prepaid boxes, sold in several different sizes, seemed to be readily accepted by customers. There were no instances of “sticker shock” where a customer, thinking they had picked $10 worth of berries, in fact picked $40 of berries.
 Photo credit, Larriland Farms
4. Most facilities installed plexiglass barriers between cashiers and the public. Charge-card machines were altered to a “no signature required” status.
5. Numerous hand-washing or hand-sanitizer stations were distributed where customers could easily reach them. Signage reinforced safe practices.
6. To reduce crowding on weekends, some growers offered internet sales of pre-purchased tickets and some went so far as to sell QR coded time restricted tickets to assist in crowd control. Walk-up customers were either required to wait or were not allowed admittance. These methods were not without their drawbacks when rainy weekends kept customers out of the fields, and people wanted refunds or to reschedule.
All of the growers were unanimous in saying there was no going back to the more casual methods of PYO. These changes are not just short-term marketing practices but will also help to improve the growers’ long-term food safety culture.
Moving forward, we can expect the continuation of these practices in 2021 due to continued COVID-19 recommendations. MDA COVID specific guidance for farmers can be found here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/category/covid-19/. Soon we will have new signage for farms emphasizing COVID-19 safe practices. Contact Produce.safety@maryland.gov. to receive these signs when they are published.
The Plant Science Food Safety Group YouTube Page!
Are you interested in Harmonized GAP Certification?
Announcing: Advanced Good Agricultural Practices Webinar Series
When: Tuesday mornings, February 2nd to March 9th from 7:00am – 8:00am.
This series is free and will present key aspects in preparing for a Harmonized GAP audit, as well as food safety updates going into the 2021 season. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maryland-advanced-good-agricultural-practices-webinar-series-tickets-135784419855. All sessions will be recorded and available for viewing at another time. Registration will close the day before the session.
Each Advanced GAP webinar will provide registered attendees with educational materials and a certificate of completion. Contact Angela Ferelli (angfer@umd.edu, (301)-405-8922) or Carol Allen (callen12@umd.edu , 240-994-5043) for more information.
February 2nd, 7:00am – 8:00am. Introduction: Taking the Next Step in On-Farm Food Safety.
Learn the logistics of and how to prepare for the harmonized GAP audit. 2021 produce safety updates included.
February 16th, 7:00am – 8:00am. Preparing for Harmonized GAP: Writing Written Risk Assessments.
Discover how to efficiently and effectively construct written assessments to account for food safety risks on your operation.
February 23rd, 7:00am – 8:00am. Research Spotlight: Salmonella in Mid-Atlantic Irrigation Water Sources.
Mid-Atlantic food safety water quality issues will be discussed as well as how to manage your water sources for Harmonized GAP.
March 2nd, 7:00am - 8:00am - Preparing for Harmonized GAP: Product Traceability and Getting Recall Ready.
Look at effectively recording the inputs you use to make your product, how to follow your product to your buyers, and preparing for a possible recall.
March 9th, 7:00am – 8:00am. COVID-19 Updates and Resources for the 2021 Season.
Maryland COVID-19 requirements for your farm operation are expected to change. Learn about the resources to help you keep your workers and customers safe.
Legalities of Direct Marketing for Specialty Crop Growers
ALEI, one of our partners in the Maryland Food Safety Network is presenting two webinars, February 18th and February 23rd presenting a guide to the legal issues that go along with direct marketing. Attendees will receive a copy of the printed guide, A Legal Guide to Direct Farm Marketing for Maryland Produce Growers. The webinars will be recorded and will be available for viewing at a later date on the ALEI website.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-side-of-direct-farm-marketing-liabilities-contracts-online-sales-tickets-128259935921
Announcing:
UMD Extension, Agriculture & Food Systems is getting a new look and better organization to help serve the Maryland farmer. Check out the new web site as it is being built:
https://extension.umd.edu/agriculture
The mission of the Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension Program is to conduct applied research and provide research-based educational programming to increase producer profitability while conserving resources by using cutting-edge technologies and practices.
And look for the new logo!
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There are signs available through the MDA Food Quality Assurance Program to encourage good consumer practices while in the market and on the farm. Contact the Food Safety Group for availability.
Wash Your Produce
Keep Farms Clean
This 12" x 18" poster comes either as a corrugated poster board or as a magnetic sign and is perfect for Pick-Your-Own operations.
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Breakfast with the Food Safety Group from 7:00 - 10:00 am!
We are offering virtual office hours from 7:00 - 10:00 am.
Carol Allen can be reached at 301-405-7543 on Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings.
Angela Ferelli can be reached at 301-405-8922 Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Call in with your questions about food safety for fresh produce!
Miss a back issue? They can be found on the website above by clicking on the "Food Safety Newsletter for Maryland Farmers" button. The past issues tab can be found in the top left corner.
Housekeeping: Notice there are Subscribe and Unsubscribe links at the bottom of the page. Please subscribe and pass this newsletter on! We want to serve your needs and the needs of all Maryland farmers big and small no matter your food crop. If something bugs you, please contact me! …but we want to stay in touch so don’t unsubscribe, reach out!
Carol D. Allen, Agent Associate and Editor
Chris Walsh, Professor Emeritus and Co-PI
University of Maryland
Plant Science Food Safety Group
callen12@umd.edu
Questions for MDA Food Quality Assurance Program:
Deanna Baldwin, Program Manager
Food Quality Assurance Program
Maryland Department of Agriculture
produce.safety@maryland.gov
Funding for this publication was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health & Human Services; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class
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