The standardized one-day course that satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule training requirement. Covers worker health, water, soil amendments, wildlife, postharvest handling, and how to start a written farm food safety plan. Offered virtually and in person nationwide; you receive the manual and an AFDO certificate.
Typical award
Free to low-cost — many states subsidize the $50–$175 fee
Required for at least one supervisor on farms covered by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule
No farm size minimum — exempt farms often take it for buyer requirements
How to apply
1Find an upcoming course in your state on the PSA course listing
2Check whether your state department of agriculture or Extension covers the fee
3Register and attend the full session (attendance is required for the certificate)
4Use the manual to draft your farm food safety plan
What you'll need
Registration form and fee (often waived)
Basic description of your crops and postharvest handling
Timeline & contact
One full day; certificate issued in about 4 weeks
Get help: Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell — or your state produce safety program
Ready to apply?
Applications go through Produce Safety Alliance / Cornell University, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
California's produce safety team funds free PSA grower trainings and free, non-regulatory On-Farm Readiness Reviews — a friendly walk-through where staff flag food safety gaps before any inspection or buyer audit.
California produce farm of any size
Growers subject to, or exempt from, the FSMA Produce Safety Rule