E. coli outbreaks in lettuce grown in the Southwest have made headlines numerous times over the last several growing seasons. In many instances, these outbreaks have led to recalls from coast to coast. Ultimately, the health and financial impacts of these outbreaks have resulted in more attention being paid by buyers and regulators on the leafy greens industry. What do the problems in the Southwest have to do with growers in NY? As leafy greens are a highly susceptible crop to contamination, precautionary lessons can be learned. This training will provide an overview of possible sources of contamination related to soil amendments, wildlife, water, post-harvest handling, transportation and more. This training will emphasize specific risks that leafy greens growers may experience, identify tangible corrective actions that can be taken, and provide participants the opportunity to work through example scenarios as a group. 

Leafy greens growers, with the exclusion of those growing sprouts and microgreens, who sell through any of the following market channels: farmers market, CSA, produce auction, or wholesale, will find this workshop informative in offering real world examples and solutions to all aspects of growing, harvesting and storage of leafy greens grown in NYS.

COST AND REGISTRATION
A basic knowledge of food safety is recommended, but not required, for participation in this remote training opportunity. The cost to attend this virtual training is $10/farm and payment is required at the time of registration. The zoom link will be sent the morning of March 18th to the email used in the registration. Registration is required by March 16th. Register online  

This event is hosted by CCE Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County. For more information, please email Robert Hadad or call 585-739-4065.

NOTE: This is a new date for the meeting. Originally scheduled for March 9, the event was pushed back to March 18, beginning at 6:30pm.