Application Deadline for IFPA Produce Safety Immersion Program Closing Soon

April 2, 2024

Washington, DC – Those International Fresh Produce Association members who wish to further develop the skills of their food safety professionals are encouraged to consider them for participation in the upcoming fifth cohort of the organization’s Produce Safety Immersion Program. The application deadline is Friday, April 5.

"Demand for qualified food safety professionals has continued to grow and this program provides an opportunity for those looking to build capacity in food safety to learn from industry leaders, build their professional network and become more confident about produce safety best practices and the regulatory landscape," said IFPA Food Safety Council Chair Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety & Compliance for North Bay Produce.

Sponsored by EcoLab, the 6-month program consists of a mix of virtual and in-person education opportunities designed to develop the technical capacity, critical thinking skills, and leadership attributes of the next generation of produce safety professionals. In addition to the program curricula, immersion program fellows also have access to peer-to-peer networking and mentorship connections.

"The immersion program is designed to prepare the next generation of food safety professionals to advance the science and how it is applied in the fresh produce industry," said IFPA Food Safety Council member Walter Ram, Corporate Vice President - Regulatory, The Giumarra Companies.

Members of last year’s cohort represented a diverse group of grower-shippers, foodservice distributors, and indoor agriculture firms.

The cost to participate in the program is $5,995 per person and includes registration and hotel accommodations for IFPA’s Washington Conference and The Global Produce & Floral Show, as well as participation in 14 virtual sessions which will include speakers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and industry.

The immersion program is one of many development opportunities IFPA member and industry food safety professionals can access. Other programs include:

Listeria Management for the Produce Industry Certificate Program
Produce GAPs Harmonized Standard Auditor Training
Produce Inspection Training Program
Recall Ready Workshop

Additional IFPA food safety resources can be found in the association’s robust Online Learning Academy as well as the food safety area of the IFPA website

Application Deadline for IFPA Produce Safety Immersion Program Closing Soon

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