Produce Bites

"Bacteria cannot walk, but they can swim." In this episode, we dive into the science behind washing produce and its impact on both produce safety and product quality. Originally recorded March 2025

In this episode, we're joined by Annalisa Hultberg, a Food Safety Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, and Ariel Pressman, Principal Consultant with Whole Farm Strategies. Together, they share practical tips for building a low-cost packshed. From structures and flooring to essential equipment, they break down how growers can create an efficient wash/pack space without sacrificing functionality or food safety. Additional Resources: University of Minnesota Food Safety Factsheets [https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/food-safety-fact-sheets/home] University of Vermont Post-Harvest Resources [https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/post-harvest/]

This episode features Nick Panicola, a Produce Safety Technician for the Grand Traverse Conservation District, and Dr. Kevin Tarwa, a recent University of Maryland doctoral graduate. They discuss Dr. Tarwa's research on harvested rainwater and what it means for produce safety.

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This episode features Carrie Fitzpatrick, a Food Safety Consultant through Wilbur-Ellis, and Morgan Anderson, a Produce Safety Technician with the Ottawa Conservation District. Together, they break down what regenerative agriculture really means, address common misconceptions about balancing regenerative practices with food safety, and compare PRIMUS and GAP audit expectations with the requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Additional Resources: Regenerative Agriculture & Compliance Table [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LQNA_KrjcUgDeyHEh-IkOUxWmd4OWUp6hfqVzTW3kEA/edit?usp=sharing]