OSU to Lead Food Safety Center to Help Farmers, Processors

Oregon State University (OSU) will administer a new $1.2 million center that aims to help small- and mid-sized farms and food processors in 13 western states prevent foodborne illnesses. The initiative was announced by the federal government as part of an effort to help growers and processors of fruits, vegetables, and nuts comply with requirements established under FSMA. The center, which is not an actual building, is one of four new regional hubs across the country. OSU and its partners will use the funding—a third of which will go to OSU—to develop trainers to teach others how to conduct workshops for small- and mid-sized farms, beginning farmers, small-scale food processors, and wholesale produce vendors. OSU and its partners will work with The Produce Safety Alliance and Food Safety Preventive Control Alliance to develop trainers.