Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The WRCEFS project included participation and leadership from Land Grant, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving (ANNH), and Hispanic Serving Agricultural (HSACU) institutions, as well as non-governmental (NGO) and community-based organizations (CBO) in the 13 Western states and two territories. Representatives from all four sub-regions of WRCEFS participated in three annual meeting (Las Cruces, NM, Prosser, WA and Hilo, HI), including our sub-target audience of food processors and produce growers within each region being invited to webinars and grower and processor trainings. A list of subject matter experts for review of add-on materials was updated in 2024 to include experts from WRCEFS and other regions. WRCEFS also collaboratedwith other regional centers, existing alliances (PSA, FSPCA), the lead coordination center, FDA, USDA, and state lead agencies; with representatives from these groups having attended the 2021-2024WRCEFS annual meetings. Changes/Problems:Project Coordinator, Stephanie Brown, left in May 2024. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Lead trainers and instructors from the Western region have organized and/or participated in over 100 trainings, workshops, and webinars for regional and national constituents from September 2021 to August 2024. WRCEFS collaborated with PSA, University of Arizona, and New Mexico State University to host a produce safety professional development workshop in Las Cruces, NM on May 3, 2022 (n=30 attendees). Another professional development workshop was held in Prosser, WA on May 2, 2023 (n=17 attendees), this was a collaboration with WRCEFS, PSA, Washington State University and Washington Department of Agriculture. In 2024, a tour of the retail and farm environments in Hilo, HI was also organized for WRCEFS members (n=25). WRCEFS collaborated with the Washington and California Departments of Agriculture to organize a PSA Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course held in Sacramento, CA from June 1-3, 2022 (n=10 attendees). A second PSA TTT course was held in Vancouver, WA (n=14 trained) as a collaboration between Washington Department of Agriculture, PSA and WRCEFS. WRCEFS project has provided opportunities for training and professional development of one PhD student and one undergraduate student. New hires in California (as part of the statewide technical assistance network) have been supported to complete the PSA GT, and three have been supported to complete the PSA TTT course. Support has also been provided for members of the TA network to apply for lead trainer certificates. California supported two individuals to complete the FSPCA PCHF Lead Instructor course (one at UC Davis and the other at Cal Poly Pomona). Two members of the PI team participated in and assisted with workshop setup for the PSA Advanced trainer workshop in Lake Alfred, FL (February 6-9, 2023). By attending this in-person training, the goal is to bring this training to the Western region. At this time, this training is only offered in Florida and New York. Examples of specific opportunities in sub-regions: Cal Poly Pomona: HACCP training courses to undergraduate students and local food industry professionals. NMSU: NM Food Protection Alliance annual meeting - 61 in attendance Hawaii: Mentoring of Helen Tak and Joey Ooka, new UH FS program assistant and HDOA FS program manager. Both attended PSA TTT together. Mentoring of each to prepare them to teach PSA GT modules. Overall mentoring on extension techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Regular email updates and newsletters are provided to WRCEFS members and also people from outside the region that have signed up to receive WRCEFS updates (257 subscribers as of August 31, 2024). This information along with resources and updates from the LRCC and RCs, WRCEFS partners, federal and state governments, trade associations, and alliances are also shared on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X). WRCEFS participates in monthly calls with LRCC and other Regional Centers, monthly calls with WRCEFS partners, and quarterly calls with CAP grant holders and partners to provide updates on food safety-related activities. Specific examples from sub-regions: CSU: All activities have been advertised across the state. Field days have been offered at two different locations (Northern and Southern Colorado) and all webinars are accessible through the website: https://coproducesafety.org/. NMSU: Work on food safety has been put in CES impact reporting to state clientele. Hawaii: All data are shared with the WRCEFS. The team maintains a Farm Food Safety Website where information is available (currently in the process of migrating to a new site so that new translated materials can be posted). As extension faculty, HI team continuously shares updates with the stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1.Support the development of regional food safety education and outreach opportunities for food safety trainers and targeted audiences of farmers, processors and vendors in the Western Region. The WRCEFS team collaborated with key organizations (FDA, National Farmers Union, etc.) to deliver a second cleaning and sanitation workshop for produce growers and packinghouses (25 participants). Bilingual curricula on cleaning, sanitation, food microbiology, and FSMA standards were developed by WRCEFS members. Two PSA Train-the-Trainer courses were held (Sacramento, CA: 10 participants; Vancouver, WA: 14 participants) and two Produce Safety Professional Development workshops (Las Cruces, NM: 30 participants; Prosser, WA: 17 participants). New California hires completed PSA training, and two individuals completed FSPCA PCHF Lead Instructor courses. A webinar on FSMA agricultural water (89 attendees) and a recall essentials workshop (25 participants) were conducted. Hawaii developed an FSMA PSR toolkit with multilingual resources and trained three members in OFRR. Tilth Alliance promoted WRCEFS resources to 4,700 Washington farmers and conducted a food safety survey (99 responses). Arizona provided Tribal-focused trainings, youth outreach, and tailored programs for Spanish-speaking crews, engaging hundreds of participants. Objective 2.Coordinatea regional communication strategy to foster collaboration, and ongoing discussions regarding common food safety concerns and best practices within the Western Region. WRCEFS hosted annual meetings in Las Cruces, NM (2022: 50 attendees), Prosser, WA (2023: 57 attendees), and Hilo, HI (2024: 68 attendees), featuring updates from stakeholders, breakout sessions, and discussions on agricultural water, FSMA PSR, food traceability, recalls, onion safety and dry sanitation, chemical hazards, and underserved audiences. Seventeen monthly calls and 11 quarterly calls with WRCEFS members, partners, and stakeholders addressed food safety concerns and shared updates. Communication strategies included 30 newsletters and 67 emails, shared with 257 members, as well as website and social media updates. Objective 3.Collaboratewith other regions and regional stakeholders to supportthe development of modified and supplemental resources for food safety trainings for small producers, processors and vendors, and to facilitate peer review of developed resources. The peer review process for add-ons and short courses was refined and introduced, respectively, leading to the acceptance of 18 resources, including 7 from WRCEFS members. Expertise from 134 subject matter experts was documented. Examples from specific regional activities include:PCQI courses (Cal Poly Pomona) tailored to local grocery store food manufacturing facilities and other local food industries, alternative training development for small farmers (CAFF), and participation at USDA/WSDA grant review panels (WSU). NMSU used WRCEFS materials to support producers and is planning the NM Food Protection Alliance Conference (November 2024). Arizona team contributed to FSR Clearinghouse reviews, shared resources, and supported FSMA education. Objective 4.Evaluate the impact of education and training activities in the Western Region through ongoing program assessment. During the reporting period, data were collected from 444 workshops, trainings, and webinars across multiple states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Key highlights include: 175 PSA Grower Courses, 20 FSPCA PCHF courses, and 9 PCHF Part 2 workshops. Specialized trainings: 9 HACCP courses, 2 Cleaning and Sanitizing Workshops, 2 Produce Safety Professional Development Workshops, 3 PSA Train-the-Trainer Courses, 2 Better Process Control Schools, and 44 Webinars. Practical workshops: 4 Produce Safety Basics Courses, 4 Farm Walks, 5 Farm Walks Podcasts, 2 Food Safety Field Days, and 1 Cold Chain Workshop. Spanish-language sessions: 6 Foreman/Supervisor Trainings and 73 Harvest Crew Worker Trainings. Other trainings: 17 Other Food and Worker Safety Workshops, 7 Food Safety Friday Events, 7 Food Safety Plan Trainings, and 5 Value-Added Food Processing Workshops. Basedon the available pre-post evaluation data from WRCEFS trainings (both in-person and remote),participants demonstrated significant knowledge gains. For 99 PSA trainings (n=1,585), pre-test scores averaged 15.64/25, increasing to 19.64/25 (+26%; t=36.63, p<0.001). For 8 FSPCA trainings (n=54), pre-test scores rose from 5.67/15 to 7.38/15(+30%; t=6.87, p<0.001). Six-month follow-up data from PSA trainings (n=45) showed practical application of knowledge, including: 64% improving recordkeeping systems, 73% implementing new hygiene protocols, 66% adopting better cleaning methods, and 59% developing or modifying farm safety plans. Overall, 79% of farms reported PSR compliance within six months of completing the course. Two peer-reviewed papers and one poster were published: Narine et al. (2024): Analysis of PSA Grower Training knowledge assessment results. Murphy et al. (2024): Insights into training needs in Washington through PSA Grower Training. Poster at IAFP 2024: Evaluation of food safety training outcomes and future needs.
Publications
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Narine, L., Enderton, A., Benge, M., Bihn, E., Brown, S., Kovacevic, J., Newbold, E., Schneider, K., & Shaw, A. (2024). Produce safety alliance grower training knowledge assessment results. Advancements in Agricultural Development, 5(3), 1324. https://doi.org/10.37433/aad.v5i3.473
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Murphy, C., Fisk, C., Ullmann, K., Blood, C., & Smith, S. (2024). Identifying Training Needs in Washington through Insights from Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Food Protection Trends, 44(5). https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-23-004
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Kovacevic, J., S. Brown. Western Regional Center Updates. 2023 Produce Safety Western States Regional Meeting.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Brown, S., J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center Updates. Southern Center Annual Meeting. January 11, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Brown, S., J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center Updates. NCR FSMA Annual Conference. April 4, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Brown, S., J. Kovacevic. Updates on the Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting. May 1, 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Brown, S., L. Narine. WRCEFS Evaluations Update. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting. May 1, 2024.
|
Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The WRCEFS project includes participation and leadership from Land Grant, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving (ANNH), and Hispanic Serving Agricultural (HSACU) institutions, as well as non-governmental (NGO) and community-based organizations (CBO) in the 13 Western states and two territories. Representatives from all four sub-regions of WRCEFS participated in the 2023 annual meeting in Prosser, WA. Our sub-target audience of food processors and produce growers within each region were invited to webinars and grower and processor trainings. A list of subject matter experts for review of add-on materials was updated in 2023 to include experts from WRCEFS and other regions. WRCEFS continues to collaborate with other regional centers, existing alliances (PSA, FSPCA), the lead coordination center, FDA, USDA, and state lead agencies; with representatives from these groups having attended the 2023 WRCEFS annual meeting. Changes/Problems:Personnel changes occurred at the end of the second year of this grant, including: Claire Murphy (Washington State University) joined the co-PI team in August 2023. Co-PIs from WSU have reportedseeing a small downturn in attendance of in-person eventseither due to staffing shortages, limited training funds, or the new reliance of virtual training. Small growers and processors have more difficult time finding time to take off for trainings. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Lead trainers and instructors from the Western region have organized and/or participated in 127 trainings, workshops, and webinars for regional and national constituents from September 2022 to August 2023. WRCEFS collaborated with PSA, Washington State University, and the Washington Department of Agriculture to host a produce safety professional development workshop in Prosser, WA on May 2, 2023 (n=17 attendees). Two members of the PI team participated in and assisted with workshop setup for the PSA Advanced trainer workshop in Lake Alfred, FL (February 6-9, 2023). By attending this in-person training, the goal is to bring this training to the Western region. At this time, this training is only offered in Florida and New York. WRCEFS collaborated with the Washington Department of Agriculture, and Produce Safety Alliance to organize an in-person PSA Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course in Vancouver, WA (n= 14 trained). Examples of specific opportunities in sub-regions Cal Poly Pomona: HACCP training courses to undergraduate students and local food industry professionals. NMSU: NM Food Protection Alliance annual meeting - 61 in attendance Hawaii: Mentoring of Helen Tak and Joey Ooka, new UH FS program assistant and HDOA FS program manager. Both attended PSA TTT together. Mentoring of each to prepare them teach PSA GT modules. Overall mentoring on extension techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Regular email updates and newsletters are provided to WRCEFS members and also people from outside the region that have signed up to receive updates through the WRCEFS website (235 subscribers as of August 24, 2023). This information along with resources and updates from the LRCC and RCs, WRCEFS partners, federal and state governments, trade associations, and alliances are also shared on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X). WRCEFS participates in monthly calls with LRCC and other Regional Centers, monthly calls with WRCEFS partners, and quarterly calls with CAP grant holders and partners to provide updates on food safety-related activities. The 7th WRCEFS Annual Meeting report is currently being developed and will be shared publicly via WRCEFS website in winter 2023. Specific examples from sub-regions CSU: Allactivities have been advertised across the state. Field days have been offered at two different locations (Northern and Southern Colorado) and all webinars are accessible through the website: https://coproducesafety.org/. NMSU: Work on food safety has been put in CES impact reporting to state clientele. Hawaii: All data are shared with the WRCEFS. The team maintains a Farm Food Safety Website where information is available (currently in the process of migrating to a new site so that new translated materials can be posted). As extension faculty, HI teamcontinuously shares updates with the stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1: Organize8th WRCEFS annual meeting in 2024 in-person in Hawaii. Facilitate a pre-meeting workshop focused on advanced skills building or farm tours prior to the 8th WRCEFS Annual Meeting. Objective 2: Continue to host monthly meetings with WRCEFS partners and quarterly calls with state departments of agriculture, regional centers, Lead Regional Center, alliances, and other partners. Continue with monthly communications via Zoom, and email updates on FSMA and WRCEFS-activities with broad member base, acquired through website sign-up. Objective 3: Continue to serve as editors and collaborate with NECAFS on maintaining the peer review process for add-ons in the Clearinghouse. Now that short courses have been integrated into the peer review system, we plan to create guides and "how-to" videos to assist submitters and reviewers with understanding this review process. Annually update the national SME list, which now has experts listed from across the country. This list will be shared with LRCC and other Regional Centers. Objective 4: Continue to collect and collate evaluation data from WRCEFS sub-regions and Western Region FSOPs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: The WRCEFS team collaborated with PSA, Washington State University, and the Washington Department of Agriculture to develop and deliver a Produce Safety Professional Development workshop in Prosser, WA on May 2, 2023. A total of 17 participants were trained. Members of the PI team (J. Kovacevic, S. Brown) participated in the PSA Advanced trainer workshop in Lake Alfred, FL (February 6-9, 2023). WRCEFS collaborated with the Washington Department of Agriculture, and Produce Safety Alliance to organize a PSA Train-the-Trainer (TTT) course in Vancouver, WA from January 31 - February 2, 2023, and 14 were trained. This training was hosted by LULAC Grows. NMSU piloted a recall essentials workshop with producers that are part of a farmers market association; 25 people were in attendance. Objective 2: The 7thWRCEFS Annual Meeting was held in Prosser, WA on May 3-4, 2023. During the two-day Annual Meeting, 57attendees heard updates from WRCEFS members and FSOP grant awardees in the Western Region, USDA, FDA, PSA, FSPCA,IFAI, other Regional Centers and the Lead Regional Coordination Center. On day one, updates on the peer review process for add-ons and evaluations were shared. The group also learned about produce safety and the food traceability rule, food safety and onion research, Washington tree fruit industry research highlights and current challenges, and FDA inspectional observations. Six monthly calls have taken place, including all WRCEFS PIs, sub-region leads, and NGO/CBOs. Western region CAP grant holders, FDA, USDA, Regional Centers, other partners (e.g., IFAI, NFU) and Alliances (FSPCA and PSA) have participated in three quarterly calls during this reporting period. Important events and updates for our constituents were shared with WRCEFS members by monthly newsletters and emails. During this reporting period, 10 newsletters and 18 emails were shared with WRCEFS members (n= 235 as of August 24, 2023). Information was also shared on the WRCEFS website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, when applicable). Objective 3: A method for reviewing short courses and workshop modules that do not fit within the definition of alternative curriculum was developed for the add-on peer review process. It was piloted with three short courses in Feb-Mar 2022; all three courses were accepted. The peer review process for short course review was officially opened for submissions in March 2023. From September 1, 2022 to August 24, 2023, seven add-ons have been accepted through the peer review process on the FSR Clearinghouse. Two add-ons are currently being reviewed. Two add-ons are awaiting review, with assigned reviewers. Of the seven accepted add-ons, one was from WRCEFS members located in the Western region. The national subject matter expert (SME) list used for soliciting reviewers for the FSR Clearinghouse peer review process is updated on a yearly basis. As of August 18, 2023, expertise for 134 SMEs were detailed within the national SME database. Examples of specific sub-region activities Cal Poly PomonaCo-PI collaborated with professors from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse to offer PCQI courses, focusing on local grocery store food manufacturing facilities and other local food industries. CAFF has a current project with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, working with other regions to develop an alternative food safety training geared towards small farmers. WSU Co-PI participated in grant review panel for the USDA and WSDA. NMSU: Utilized WRC website for supplemental materials when requested from producers. Arizona:University of Arizona has participated in the review process for add-on materials submitted to FSR Clearinghouse. The team has also worked closely with other states to share resources and help other states conduct trainings and support with idea sharing of best practices to increase FSMA education. Objective 4: In the current reporting period, data were gathered from 161 workshops, trainings, and webinars in the following states: Alaska (UofAlaska, Fairbanks and DEC), Arizona (UofA, AZDA), California (ALBA, CAFF, Cal Poly Pomona, CCOF, CDFA, COS, UC Davis), Colorado (CSU), Hawaii (UofH), Montana (MDA), New Mexico (NMDA, NMSU), Oregon (ODA and OSU), and Washington (WSDA, WSU). Of these trainings, there were 60 PSA grower courses, 6 FSPCA PCHF courses, 2 FSPCA PCHF part 2 workshops, 1 Produce Safety Professional Development Workshop, 1 PSA TTT course, 1 pathogen environmental monitoring workshop, 2 Better Process Control Schools, 1 HACCP and other food safety management systems course, 2 HACCP trainings, 1 IFPA Listeria online workshop, 1 cold chain workshop, 2 food safety field days, 1 sanitation workshop, 4 produce safety basics courses (2 online and 2 in-person), 1 food safety training for schools with school gardens, 1 egg production food safety course, 1 virtual honey production food safety course, 1 FSMA rule 204 traceability training, 1 recall essentials course, 7 food safety Friday events, 1 Elderberry: Interactive Workshop on Best Practices for Food Safety workshop, 3 developing food safety plan trainings, 4 GMP and basics of sanitation courses, 2 value-added food processing and food safety workshops, 1 pre-season refresher workshop, 1 post-season refresher workshop, 3 Foreman/Supervisor harvest crew food safety trainings (Spanish), 16 harvest crew worker food safety training (Spanish), multiple tribal food safety trainings, 17 other food and worker safety workshops and 5 webinars. Data from 41 PSA trainings (n=577) showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) (t=23.21, p< 0.001), with average 15.64/25 pre-test and 19.92/25 post-test scores, representing a 27% increase in knowledge immediately after the course. Limited data from 2 FSPCA courses (n=54) also showed statistically significant increase in participants' knowledge of the PCHF rule (t=3.52, p< 0.001), with average 6.09/15 pre-test and 7.65/15 post-test scores, representing a 26% increase in participants' knowledge after the course. Six-month follow-up data from PSA trainings (n= 37), indicated most participants created or modified their food safety record-keeping system (64%), implemented new food safety and hygiene protocols (71%), implemented new methods for cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces (63%), wrote or modified their farm food safety plan (57%), implemented new practices for monitoring on-farm facilities (54%), adopted new strategies to reduce the risk of contamination from wildlife (55%), and added to existing on-farm infrastructure to improve food safety practices (60%). Overall, 78% of respondents to the follow-up survey indicated their farm complied with the PSR approximately 6-months after completing the PSA course.?
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kovacevic, J. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety- Overview and Updates. Food Safety Training in Guam, December 12-16, 2022 (recorded, oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kovacevic, J., and S. R. B. Brown. Western Regional Center Updates. NASDA Produce Safety Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, December 14, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center Updates. Southern Center Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA, January 5, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center updates. North Central Regional Center Annual Meeting, March 15, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Whats new with the Clearinghouse and peer reviewed resources? Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Prosser, WA, May 3, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Northwest subregion updates. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Prosser, WA, May 3, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Narine, L., J. Kovacevic, and S. R. B. Brown. WRCEFS evaluation update. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Prosser, WA, May 3, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center updates. Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) National Project Directors Meeting, Tampa, FL, May 31, 2023 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., A. Fitzgerald, C. Callahan, E. Newbold, and J. Kovacevic. Knowledge has Increased but Some Concepts Remain Challenging: Key Learnings from the Western Region Food Safety Trainings. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada, July 18, 2023 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Li, S., Gouge, D.H., Rock, C., Walker, K., Fournier, A.J., Ernst, K., Teegerstrom, T. and Ellsworth, P.C. 2022. Public Health Programs Address Needs and Priorities of Diverse Audiences. Poster presentation. 2022 UArizona Food Safety Conference. October 26-27, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Li, S., Cooper, M., Sainz, J., Ignat, S. and Fournier, A.J. 2022. Increasing Knowledge in IPM and Food Safety among Underserved Communities. Poster presentation. 2022 UArizona Food Safety Conference. October 26-27, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Cooper, M., Mydosh, J., Sainz, J., Ignat, S. and Li, S. 2022. SaferFoodCats as a tool to engage students in Food Safety and train interns for Tribal outreach in Food Safety. Poster presentation. 2022 UArizona Food Safety Conference. October 26-27, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S. Increasing Accessibility of Food Safety and Integrated Pest Management Resources. SWIAA 35th Annual Conference. January 16-19, 2023. Casino del Sol, Tucson, AZ. 65 participants. Invited.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S., Cooper, M. and Fournier, A.J. 2023. Mentoring Students in Pest Management, Food Safety and Public Health. Poster presentation. 2023 ALVSCE Research Poster Forum. Tucson, AZ. March 30, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S., Alden, E., Alamban, A., Arias, J., Farrell, G., Carlisle, A., Kinlicheenie, K., Sekaquaptewa, S., Fournier, A.J., Rock, C. and Teegerstrom, T. 2023. Extension Programs Collaborate to Improve Food Safety Outcomes in Tribal Communities. Poster presentation. 2023 ALVSCE Research Poster Forum. Tucson, AZ. March 30, 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S. Pest Management and Food Safety Resources, Collaboration, Update. UArizona Cooperative Extension FRTEP Professional Development Meeting. Flagstaff, AZ. April 18-19, 2023. 20 participants.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S., Alden, E., Brassill, N., Cooper, M., Sekaquaptewa, S., Arias, J., Alamban, A., Farrell, G., Carlisle, A., Kinlicheenie, K., Fournier, A.J., Blasini, D., Rock, C. and Teegerstrom, T. Education and Outreach to Improve Food Safety Outcomes in Tribal Communities. Poster presentation. 2023 University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Annual Conference. August 2-4, 2023.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ohman, E., J. Waite-Cusic, and J. Kovacevic. 2023. Cleaning and Sanitizing in Produce Facilities: Identifying Compliance Gaps and Associated Training Needs, Opportunities and Preferences. Food Protection Trends. 43(5): 409-418. https://doi.org/10.4315/FPT-23-011.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Wages, S., K. Tavares, and J. Ooka. 2023. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Frequently Asked Questions for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Producers. University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Extension Publication. Available at: https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/FST-69.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Cooper, M., Li, S., Rock, C. 2022. Keeping Food Safety at Home. Extension brochure. Available at: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az2053-2023.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Li, S., Cooper, M., Rock, C. and Teegerstrom, T. 2023. Resources to Improve Food Safety in Tribal Communities. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. AZ2054. https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az2054-2023.pdf
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The WRCEFS project includes participation and leadership from Land Grant, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving (ANNH), and Hispanic Serving Agricultural (HSACU) institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGO) in the 13 Western states and two territories. Representatives from all four sub-regions of WRCEFS participated in the 2022 annual meeting in Las Cruces, NM. Our sub-target audience of food processors and produce growers within each region were invited to webinars and grower and processor trainings. A list of subject matter experts for review of add-on materials was updated in 2022 to include experts from WRCEFS and other regions. WRCEFS continues to collaborate with other regional centers, existing alliances (PSA, FSPCA), the lead coordination center, FDA, USDA, and state lead agencies; with representatives from these groups having attended the 2022 WRCEFS annual meeting. Changes/Problems:The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to delay several workshops, professional development opportunities, and food safety projects in our region. With many Western states continuing to impose modified in-person requirements, significant time and effort has been dedicated to transitioning many activities to online or hybrid options. Co-PI Faith Critzer left Washington State University on August 1, 2021. WSU subaward activities have been taken over by a co-PI Girish Ganjyal. CCOF long-time Education Specialist Meaghan Donovan, who led the work on food safety and WRCEFS left CCOF over the summer to lead network development for the University of California Extension. Adrian Fischer, Program Manager, will oversee the remainder of this project collaboration. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Lead trainers and instructors from the Western region have organized 141 trainings, workshops, and webinars for regional stakeholders from September 2021 to August 2022. WRCEFS collaboratedwith PSA, University of Arizona, and New Mexico State University to host a produce safety professional development workshop in Las Cruces, NM on May 3, 2022 (n=30 attendees). WRCEFS collaborated with the Washington and California Departments of Agriculture to organize a PSA Train-the-Trainer course held in Sacramento, CA from June 1-3, 2022 (n=10 attendees). WRCEFS project has provided opportunities fortraining and professional development of one PhD student and one undergraduate student. New hires in California (as part of the statewide technical assistance network) have been supported to complete the PSA GT, and three have been supported to complete the PSA TTT course. Support has also been provided for members of the TA network to apply for lead trainer certificates. California supported two individuals to complete the FSPCA PCHF Lead Instructor course (one at UC Davis and the other at Cal Poly Pomona). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Regular email updates and newsletters were provided to WRCEFS members and also people from outside the region that have signed up to receive updates through the WRCEFS website (203 subscribers as of August 26, 2022). This information along with resources and updates from the LRCC and RCs, WRCEFS partners, federal and state governments, trade associations, and alliances were also shared on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). WRCEFS participatedin monthly calls with LRCC and other Regional Centers, monthly calls with WRCEFS partners, and quarterly calls with CAP grant holders and partners to provide updates on activities. The 6th WRCEFS Annual Meeting report is currently being developed and will be shared publicly along with meeting recordings via WRCEFS website in winter 2022. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In support of objective 1 goals, we plan to: Facilitate a pre-meeting workshop focused on advanced skills building prior to the 7th WRCEFS Annual Meeting. Organize 7th WRCEFS annual meeting in 2023 to be held in-person in Washington. Work with PSA and SC towards bringing the advanced PSA workshop to the western region. In support of objective 2goals, we plan to: Continue with monthly communications via Zoom, and email updates on FSMA and WRCEFS-activities with broad member base, acquired through website sign-up. Continue to host monthly meetings with WRCEFS partners and quarterly calls with state departments of agriculture, regional centers, Lead Regional Center, alliances, and other partners. In support of objective 3, we plan to: Continue to serve as editors and collaborate with NECAFS on maintaining the peer review process for add-ons in the Clearinghouse. We plan to create guides and "how-to" videos to assist submitters and reviewers with understanding this review process. Annually update the national SME list, which now has experts listed from across the country. This list will be shared with LRCC and other Regional Centers. Compile comments from the peer reviewers and submitters that were part of the short course pilot and update the peer review process to reflect any suggestions for clarity or other improvements. Once complete, the peer review process will be expanded to allow for review of short courses, workshop modules, and other types of non-alternative curriculum review. In support of objective 4, we will continue to collect and collate evaluation data from WRCEFS sub-regions and Western Region FSOPs.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Objective 1: The WRCEFS team collaborated with the Food and Drug Administration, National Farmers Union, Produce Marketing Association, and United Fresh Produce Association to pilot a second cleaning and sanitation workshop for produce growers and packinghouses. This six-module workshop was piloted remotely from January 11-27, 2022 using Zoom. During this course, 25 people were trained. WRCEFS collaborated with the Washington and California Departments of Agriculture to organize a Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Train-the-Trainer course. This course was held in Sacramento, CA from June 1-3, 2022, and ten participants were trained. One Produce Safety Professional Development workshop was delivered in Las Cruces, NM on May 3, 2022. This workshop was created by WRCEFS, the PSA, New Mexico State University (NMSU), and the University of Arizona. A total of 30 participants were trained. New hires in California (as part of the statewide technical assistance network) have been supported to complete the PSA GT, and three have been supported to complete the PSA TTT course. Support has also been provided for members of the TA network to apply for lead trainer certificates. California supported two individuals to complete the FSPCA PCHF Lead Instructor course (one at UC Davis and the other at Cal Poly Pomona). WRCEFS hosted a webinar on the FSMA proposed rule on agricultural water on January 20, 2022. During this one-hour webinar, Drs. Joy Waite-Cusic, Channah Rock, and Linda Harris provided an overview of the proposed rule, discussed how to submit an effective public comment, shared their thoughts on implications of the proposed rule, and addressed stakeholder questions (n=89 attendees). Objective 2: The 6th WRCEFS Annual Meeting was held in Las Cruces, New Mexico on May 4-5, 2022, with 50 attendees. During the two-day Annual Meeting, 50attendees heard updates from WRCEFS members and FSOP grant awardees in the Western Region, USDA, FDA, PSA, FSPCA,IFAI, other Regional Centers and the Lead Regional Coordination Center. On day one, updates on the peer review process for add-ons and evaluations were also shared. During both days, the group learned about several topics of interest including, what is new and relevant with the Produce Safety Rule, food safety challenges at the border, and a recall readiness essentials template. Several breakout sessions were held focusing on agricultural water and working with underserved audiences. A report summarizing the outcomes of this meeting will be available in Winter2022. Five monthly calls have taken place, including all WRCEFS PIs, sub-region leads, and NGO/CBOs. Western region CAP grant holders, FDA, USDA, Regional Centers, other partners (e.g., IFAI, NFU) and Alliances (FSPCA and PSA) have participated in four quarterly calls during this reporting period. Important events and updates for our stakeholders were shared with WRCEFS members by monthly newsletters and emails. Emails are managed through a dedicated WRCEFS email account (wrcefs@oregonstate.edu). During this reporting period, 10 newsletters and 24 emails were shared with our WRCEFS members (n= 203 as of August 26, 2022). This information is also shared on our WRCEFS website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, when applicable). Objective 3: A method for reviewing short courses and workshop modules that do not fit within the definition of alternative curriculum was developed for the add-on peer review process. WRCEFS team members drafted new questions for short courses to include in the submit your resource form and peer review forms. New questions and form options were reviewed by NECAFS and WRCEFS members in the Spring of 2022 prior to integration into the Food Safety Resource (FSR) Clearinghouse's current peer review system. The peer review process for short courses was piloted with three short courses in February/March 2022. As of August 31, 2022, two of the three short courses have been accepted under the peer review process. Comments from the peer reviewers and submitters are currently being compiled and the review process will be updated to reflect any suggestions for clarity or other improvements. Opening the peer review process for short course review is anticipated in early 2023. From September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, 10 add-ons have been accepted through the peer review process on the Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse. Four add-ons are currently being revised after review. One add-on is awaiting review, since the peer review process for short courses has not been opened for submissions. The national subject matter expert (SME) list used for soliciting reviewers for the FSR Clearinghouse peer review process is updated on a yearly basis. A Qualtrics survey, developed in 2021 was sent to facilitators in each region for distribution within their network in March 2022. As of August 31, 2022, expertise for 133 SMEs were detailed within the national SME database. Objective 4: In the current reporting period, data were gathered from 141 workshops and trainings. Data included trainings in the following states: Alaska (UofAlaska, Fairbanks and DEC), Arizona (UofA, AZDA), California (ALBA, CAFF, Cal Poly Pomona, CCOF, CDFA, COS, California Center for Cooperative Development, UC Davis), Colorado (CSU), Hawaii (UofH), Idaho (ISDA, UofI), Montana (MDA), New Mexico (NMDA, NMSU), Oregon (ODA and OSU), Utah (USU), and Washington (WSDA, WSU). Of these trainings, there were 71 PSA grower courses, 10 FSPCA PCHF, 6 FSPCA PCHF part 2 workshops, 6 HACCP courses, 3 risk assessment workshops, 3 recordkeeping trainings, 3 GAP trainings, 2 FSPCA Intentional Adulteration courses, 1 Preventive Controls for Animal Foods course, 2 FSPCA Foreign Supplier Verification Program courses, 1 Produce Safety Professional Development Workshop, 1 PSA TTT course, 1 Produce Safety Rule Cleaning and Sanitizing Regional Workshop pilot, 1 supplemental workshop on PSR exemptions and exclusions, 1 third-party food safety audit training, 1 internal auditor for food safety course, 1 PrimusGFS workshop, 1 first aid/CPR training, 1 heat stress training, 1 pesticide applicator training, 1 training on cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, and 23 webinars. Based on the available pre-post evaluation data from WRCEFS trainings (both in-person and remote), participants experienced an increase in their knowledge of the topics after the 32 PSA trainings (pre-test average = 15.97/25; post-test average = 19.41/25 points), and 5 FSPCA trainings (pre-test average = 5.16/15; post-test average = 7.34/15 points). WRCEFS is preparing a publication of the evaluation results during 2017-2021.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Food Safety Outreach and Research Program. Washington Association for Food Protection Annual Conference, Chelan, WA, September 16, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Alvarado S., S. R. B. Brown, J. Waite-Cusic, and J. Kovacevic. Food safety trainings and outreach in the Western Region from 2017-2021- Assessment of knowledge gain and outreach through website and social media platforms. The Northeast Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Conference and Meeting, January 19-20, 2022 (remote, poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Western Regional Center updates and activities. North Central Regional Center Annual Meeting, March 3, 2022 (remote, oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Peer review process for add-on content updates and Clearinghouse resources. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Las Cruces, NM, May 4, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Northwest subregion updates. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Las Cruces, NM, May 4, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Narine, L., and S. Alvarado. WRCEFS data collection update. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Las Cruces, NM, May 4, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Kovacevic, J. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety: Objectives and progress update. Western States Regional Meeting, November 4, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Alvarado, S., S. R. B. Brown, J. Waite-Cusic, and J. Kovacevic. The impact of food safety trainings and outreach in the Western Region from 2017 to 2021. NASDA Produce Safety Consortium - Virtual, December 9-11, 2021 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Brown, S. R. B., and J. Kovacevic. Peer review process for Add-on content overview. Southern Center Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA, January 6, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Kovacevic J., and S. R. B. Brown. Western Regional Center updates. Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) National Project Directors Meeting, Orlando, FL, May 26, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
DiCaprio, E., Z. Mitchell, P. Finnegan, H. Louvau, H. Kim, A. Ting, M. Mier, N. Ribeiro, M. Hanlon, T. Ramos, W. Van Beeck, L. Wei, and M. Marco. Microbial characteristics and chemical composition of in-home fermented olives performed at home. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, August 1, 2022 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ramos, T., M. Marco, and E. DiCaprio. Enhancing fermentation nutrition and food safety Extension education utilizing online platforms. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2, 2022 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ramos, T., and E. DiCaprio. Supporting Master Food Preserver volunteers during the COVID-19 through hybrid food safety training. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2, 2022 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Hanlon, M., H. Louvau, H. Kim, Z. Mitchell, P. Finnegan, A. Ting, M. Mier, N. Ribeiro, T. Ramos, W. Van Beeck, L. Wei, M. Marco, and E. DiCaprio. Variation in biological and chemical characteristics of cabbage-based ferment produced in home and laboratory conditions. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, August 3, 2022 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Low, M., A. Kinchla, N. Richard, E. DiCaprio, and Y. Feng. Regulatory considerations for small-scale produce drying operations: A multi-state perspective obtained through inspector interview. IAFP Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, August 3, 2022 (poster).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
DiCaprio, E. Update on Food Safety Modernization Act training activities in California. Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety Annual Meeting, Las Cruces, NM, May 4, 2022 (oral).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Chiarella, C., Y. Lamoureaux, A. Pires, R. Surls, R. Bennaton, J. Van Soelen-Kim, S. Grady, T. Ramos, V. Koundinya, E. DiCaprio. A preliminary assessment of food policy obstacles in the produce recovery network in California. Submitted 2022. Ag and Human Values.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Pearlstein, S., H. Short, and J. Waite-Cusic. 2022. Produce Safety on the Blueberry Farm Factsheet. Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse. FSR 1071. Available at: https://foodsafetyclearinghouse.org/resources/produce-safety-blueberry-farm-factsheet
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Silva, J., K. Tavares, J. Hawkins, and E. Kirk. 2022. Sound Cannons for Bird Deterrence: Regulations and Noise Complaints. H?nai Ai Newsletter, Volume 45. Available at: https://gms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/gs/handler/getmedia.ashx?moid=71125&dt=3&g=12
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Tavares, K., and S. Wages. September 2021. FSMA Produce Safety Rule: Qualified Exemption An Eligibility and Annual Determination Worksheet. University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Extension Publications. FST-67. Available at: https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/FST-67.pdf.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Beary, M.A., E. DiCaprio, Y. Feng, E. Chang, L.L. Dunn, O. Padilla-Zakour, A.B. Snyder. Virtual food safety education during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals significant opportunities for future distance learning. 2022. Food Safety Management in Practice.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ramos, T., H. Leavau, H. Kim, M. Marco, and E. DiCaprio. Leveraging the COVID-19 fermentation trend to enhance nutrition and food safety Extension efforts. 2022. Journal of Extension.
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