CISA Winter Workshop: Developing Farm SOPs and Training Staff

In collaboration with MDAR and UMass we will go over how to create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and how to train your staff as it relates to Food Safety and the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Gary Gemme of Harvest Farm of Whately will talk about some of his methods for staff training and management.

Location: Harvest Farm of Whately, 125 Long Plain Rd., South Deerfield
Presenter: Lisa McKeag – UMass Extension, Michael Botelho and Alexandra Hachem – MDAR, Gary Gemme – Harvest Farm of Whately

This workshop is part of the CISA Winter Workshop Series: 

Policies Practices, and People

Farmers and related business owners and operators, you are invited to participate in CISA’s seven-workshop series “Labor Management: Policies, Practices and People” beginning January 2018.

A well rounded farm operation needs to be a positive workplace that meets the needs and expectations of managers and employees. Addressing the issues of ethical management, staff retention, and effective communication and training tools, this series’ topics span the needs of multiple farm audiences. Whether you are new to farm employment or looking for advanced methods to improve staff management and workplace culture, these workshops will provide tools for a productive, healthy, and just workplace that improves farm operations. Examples in the workshops will be farm related, but the skills and methodology will be relevant to all businesses.

By participating in at least three workshops, you will be eligible to receive a one-on-one consultation to improve your staff management and operations.

The cost to attend the whole series is $75 for Local Hero Members or $15 for each individual workshop. The non-member cost is $95 for the series, or $18 for each individual workshop. Food will be provided at each session. If cost is a barrier to your participation, please feel free to contact Stevie to discuss options—we want everyone to be able to get the training they need to effectively operate their business. Scholarships may be available.

Contact Stevie Schafenacker via email or at (413) 665-7100, ext. 27 for more information.

Translation services may be provided upon request.

Funding for CISA’s Winter Workshop Series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under award 2016-70017-25423, USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through grant USDA-AMS-SCBGP-2016, USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 16FMPPMA0002, and by individual contributors and Local Hero members. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.