For Immediate Release:
June 21, 2016
Contacts:
Martha Sullins 970-491-3330 or martha.sullins@colostate.edu
Marilyn Wentz 303-594-3827 or admin@coloradoproduce.org
CFVGA Food Safety Committee to Host Series of Grower Educational Programs
First “Mock Audit” Scheduled July 12, Milberger Farms, Pueblo, Colo.
STRASBURG, COLO.—The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) invites Colorado produce growers to attend an educational program to learn about new regulations and to improve their food safety practices. A Mock Good Agricultural Practices Audit will be held Tuesday, July 12, 8am-noon, at Peppe’s at Milberger Farms, 28570 Hwy. 50 East, Pueblo, CO 81006.
The mock audit will begin with a walk-through of Milberger Farms production operation, led by Colorado Department of Agriculture fruit and vegetable Inspectors. Focus will be on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Participants will learn how to adapt their production practices to produce safer food crops and how to document these practices in a food safety plan.
“Food safety is the top priority of Colorado produce growers,” said Dominic DiSanti, chair of the CFVGA Food Safety Co., and owner/operator of DiSanti Farms, Pueblo, Colo. “CFVGA is committed to using the latest technology to help growers learn best practices. We welcome all growers to attend.”
The half-day Mock Good Agricultural Practices Audit is free for CFVGA members and costs $30 for non-members. All participants (free and paying) are expected to register through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cfvga-mock-good-agricultural-practices-audit-milberger-farms-tickets-26080669986 Organizers encourage registration by July 8, although registration is open up through the day of the mock audit. Registrants will be contacted with additional event information.
For further information on the July 12 mock audit or to be put on a notification list for other mock audits, contact Dominic DiSanti at 970-491-3330 or Martha Sullins at 970-491-3330 or martha.sullins@colostate.edu
CFVGA is comprised of more than 150 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $300 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 60,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production. For more on the CFVGA, visit https://coloradoproduce.org
