Virginia Fresh Produce Food Safety Team

07/28/2026

https://www.ceagworld.com/vertical-farming/cea-alliance-publishes-new-food-safety-guidelines-for-leafy-greens-and-herbs/

The 2nd Edition of the "Commodity Specific Food Safety Guidelines for CEA" guide updates and improves the original 2023 document.

07/09/2026

With Cyclospora in the news, we wanted to share some information to raise awareness.

Here is a general Cyclospora factsheet in the “Preventing Foodborne Illness” series
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS130

Here is one targeted to Farmers “Prevention of Cyclospora Contamination and Transmission on the Farm”
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS440

Here is the website IFPA is updating regularly specifically related to the current outbreak
https://www.freshproduce.com/who-we-are/commentary/cyclospora-faqs/

06/30/2026

Eastern farmers face dangerous heat wave this week
by Jeff Ishee

June 28 - A dangerous heat wave is expected to grip much of the Mid‑Atlantic region and other eastern states from June 29 through July 4, creating hazardous conditions for farmers working long hours outdoors. Forecasts call for prolonged daytime highs in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, with humidity pushing the heat index well above 105. Cooperative Extension agents warn that these conditions sharply increase the risk of heat stress and heat stroke, especially during afternoon fieldwork, livestock care, and equipment operation.

Early signs of heat stress include heavy sweating, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, and nausea. If farmers push through these symptoms, heat stroke can follow quickly. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by a high body temperature, hot dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, and possible collapse. At that stage, the body can no longer cool itself, and immediate treatment is critical.

Producers are urged to shift work to early morning and late evening, drink water frequently, and take shade breaks. Livestock and poultry also face elevated risk, and farmers should monitor animals closely, ensure ample fresh water is available at all times, and reduce handling during peak heat.

02/25/2026

Food safety training will be held on March 2nd at 6PM at the Charlotte County Extension office. Please rsvp by calling 434-542-5884 or emailing [email protected].

02/24/2026

Attention commercial berry growers and industry representatives, join us for the fast-approaching program! The registration code is in the attached flyer. Evening programming this year is focused on blackberry and blueberry production. If you are an out-of-town guest, we have a special group rate available at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Please call the hotel sales office directly at: 757-383-6065 to reserve your room at $124/night. *Identify yourself as an attendee of the Mid-Atlantic Strawberry Programs.

02/19/2026

Dear Farm to School Professionals,

You’re invited to a hands-on field trip at the Carver Food Enterprise Center (CFEC) to explore practical, scalable strategies for incorporating local foods into school meals.

During this interactive session, you will:

· See how seasonal surpluses are transformed into school-ready products

· Learn fun ways to incorporate local fruits into breakfasts and snacks, including a smoothie ice pop demonstration

· Gain insights on meat marketing claims, on-farm food safety, and a farm-to-school case study from Papa Weaver’s Pork

· Discover creative, student-friendly ideas for school salad bars during a cooking demonstration by Refresh Kitchen

Participants will also enjoy a locally inspired grain bowl meal thanks to a generous sponsorship from Culpeper Farm Bureau.

Date & Time: April 29, 9:30 AM – 1:15 PM Location: Carver Food Enterprise Center, 9432 N. James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733 Register here: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aH1O38ClswAtqS

We hope you can join us for this exciting opportunity to connect with peers and gain practical tools to strengthen your Farm to School programs!

Best regards,

02/19/2026

The 2026 Blueberry School and Field Day will be held March 9, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Keezletown Ruritan Hall located at 1118 Indian Trail Road, Keezletown, VA 22832. Participants will receive education on Blueberry growing practices and a hands-on pruning demonstration.

Register to attend at https://register.ext.vt.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=4195777

* Registration Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026 end of business.
* Cost: $15.00 per person (Lunch will be provided. Please advise of any diet restrictions or food allergies at checkout.)
* Payment Methods: Credit Cards or Checks**
- This system is designed to process online credit card payments only.
- If you wish to pay by check, call Jason Cooper at 540/564-3080 to register by other methods.
* Refund Policy: No refunds will be given for this program.
* Questions About the Program: Please contact Jason Cooper at [email protected] or call 540/564-3080.

10/15/2025

We wanted to share some upcoming producer events for folks to consider. Please see the flyers below for contact and registration information. The first event flyer is for strawberry production, and the second flyer highlights a fruit and orchard meeting, as well as a viticulture meeting.