FDSCTCH X003 - FSWCD Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for Food Safety of Fresh Produce
This course is designed for produce growers who want to strengthen their knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to reduce microbial food safety hazards in fruit and vegetable operations. Participants will learn to assess risks, apply sanitation procedures, and develop a farm-specific food safety plan tailored to their production practices.
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 it independently at your own pace, within the timeframe designated. Online modules may include readings, lecture videos, assignments, quizzes, and more.
Time to Completion
This course is projected to take approximately 6 hours to complete.
Course Completion Requirements
Participants must complete all instructional modules. A certificate of participation will be issued upon course completion.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable Internet connection
- Use Chrome browser for Windows and MacOS (ensure both browser and OS are up to date)
What You’ll Learn
- Assess food safety risks and conduct risk assessments for fruit and vegetable operations
- Develop a farm-specific food safety plan
- Understand nutrient solution quality requirements for hydroponic crops
- Apply best practices for post-harvest handling in hydroponic systems
- Design sanitation and cleaning protocols for controlled environments
- Manage pests and animal intrusions effectively in controlled settings
- Establish health and hygiene policies for personnel
- Implement traceability and safe storage practices
What You’ll Earn
- A certificate of participation issued by The Ohio State University
Additional Information
This course supports fresh produce growers in meeting foundational food safety expectations. It is not a substitute for required food safety certifications.
Contact Us
For questions about enrollment, payment options, technology support, or course records, please contact our Enrollment Support team. Inquiries are typically answered within 24 business hours.
For questions about course content or learning objectives, please contact Ashley Kulhanek at kulhanek.5@osu.edu.