FDSCTCH X004 - Food Safety in Hydroponics - Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for Food Safety of Hydroponic Crops
This online course is designed for hydroponic growers producing vegetables and fruits in controlled environments, including greenhouses, indoor farms, high tunnels, and similar systems. The course provides practical knowledge and tools to help growers implement best management practices that reduce microbial food safety hazards in hydroponic production. Participants will learn how to assess food safety risks, conduct operation-specific risk assessments, and develop a food safety plan tailored to their production practices. The course also covers nutrient solution quality, post-harvest handling, cleaning and sanitation protocols, pest and animal intrusion management, worker health and hygiene, storage practices, and traceability. By the end of the course, participants will be better prepared to identify food safety risks in hydroponic systems and apply preventive practices that support the production of safe, high-quality crops. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of participation.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced: A course that is available fully online with no scheduled class sessions or fixed due dates. You can start coursework at any time and work through the material independently at your own pace.
Time to Completion
This course is projected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
Course Completion Requirements
Successful completion of this course requires earning a score of at least 99% on required assessments.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Computer, laptop, or tablet capable of accessing online course materials
- Ability to stream video and interactive content
- Recommended browsers: Google Chrome or Firefox
What You’ll Learn
Participants will learn how to:
- Assess food safety risks and conduct risk assessments for their operation
- Develop a food safety plan specific to their production practices, understand the requirements surrounding the quality of nutrient solutions to ensure a safe crop
- Implement best post-harvest handling practices for hydroponics
- Design appropriate sanitation and cleaning protocols for hydroponic operations
- Manage pests and animal intrusions in controlled environments
- Develop best personnel health and hygiene policies
- Implement best storage practices and traceability.
Participants will receive a certificate of participation after completing this course.
What You’ll Earn
- Certificate of Completion from Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology.
Contact Us
For questions about the enrollment process, payment options, technology, or course records, please submit an inquiry and our Enrollment Support team will assist you within 24 hours during business days.
For questions about course details email Dr. Sanja Ilic and Dr. Melanie Lewis Ivey.