RSVP: would you come to a local event on food safety in aquaponics?

[Paul Trudeau]

I had the pleasure and honor of a visit from Trevor V. Suslow, Ph.D., Extension Research Specialist, Preharvest to Postharvest Produce Safety, UC Davis this weekend.  He writes:

"I have been asked to participate in an aquaponics panel at the International Food Protection Association annual meeting [in July 2015] that will include Sarah Taber, The Aquaponics Association. I have provided support for small aquaponics operations over the years to assist in answering questions from their customers related to food safety specific to aquaponics management and general food safety from the produce side of the enterprise. More recently I visited several operations in Hawaii with university of Hawaii extension  during an small farm workshop program.

I would be interested in ...[holding] a possible future regional workshop to ensure producers have an understanding of likely FSMA FDA regulations which may impact this urban-ag industry."

So, would anyone here be interested in having him come speak to us about food safety as it relates to aquaponics and/or urban ag?  He would not charge us.  He could meet for as little as an hour, or a lot longer if folks want to get deeper into it.  Timing is flexible:  could be between now and the July conference, or afterwards.  He seems to be a very friendly, low-key, approachable, reasonable, knowledgeable guy.  I'm thrilled to be offered this resource.

Please respond to this post or to me individually if you like.  If there's enough interest, I'm happy to organize the event or to assist someone else in doing so.

Paul

[e-mail]

PS:  Dr. Suslow would also be interested in a brief visit to any regional aquaponic producers that do similar direct marketing to build a better profile to present at this conference in Late July.  His contact info:

Trevor V. Suslow, Ph.D.

Extension Research Specialist

Preharvest to Postharvest Produce Safety

One Shields Ave University of California, Davis

Department of Plant Sciences

Mann Lab Mail Stop 3

Davis, CA  95616-8780

530-754-8313 office

530-752-4554 fax

http://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu

http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu

http://vric.ucdavis.edu

[kat martin]

My husband and I would be interested.  I have been through UCD's Master Food Preserver's certification program. Food safety is a very important issue and I believe this would be a very timely topic.  Thanks Paul.

[TC Keenan]

Thx Paul!

As a nurse & permiculture enthusiast, I, too, am interested!!

cheers.

Tim

[Jim Vanderveen]

I'd be interested!