Tier-2 Food Safety Training September 27

Cooperative Extension Hosts Risk Identification Workshop for Growers

Boone , N.C. – N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family is a new N.C. Cooperative Extension program developed to educate fruit and vegetable growers about measures to minimize food safety risks. The training focuses on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and managing risks from field to market.  The training consists of nine modules, broken into Tier 1 and Tier 2, addressing specific areas of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that together provide a comprehensive curriculum developed by leading researchers and Cooperative Extension specialists at N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University.  

NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force will conduct the Tier 2 N.C. MarketReady training workshop at 8:30-5:00, on Tuesday, September 27^th, at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd. Boone, NC 28607.  Building upon the Tier 1 lessons, Tier 2 will address risk identification and management issues including transportation and traceability, product recalls, liability and insurance options, and developing a crisis strategy.

This workshop will benefit not only growers and packinghouse managers, but also wholesalers and transportation managers who all play an integral role in maintaining the safety of fresh produce as it moves from the field to the consumer. Currently, GAPs certification is voluntary for North Carolina farmers, though outbreaks of food-borne illness in other parts of the country have resulted in increased pressure for all farmers to become certified.

The development of the N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family Initiative was funded with grants from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), NC Rural Economic Development Center and USDA Risk Management Agency.  N.C. Cooperative Extension faculty developed these resources as part of the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force. For more information contact Richard Boylan, 828-264-3061, richard_boylan@ncsu.edu  . Learn more at www.ncmarketready.org.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an educational outreach of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University. It has programs in all 100 counties and the Cherokee Reservation. Learn more at www.ces.ncsu.edu. This course is co-sponsored by the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant through the Appalachian District Health Department and US Department of Health and Human Services.

Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day, Seed Swap, & More: Saturday, 9/17

Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day: A chance to swap seeds, see raspberries growing, talk gardening, and more…

On Saturday, September 17, 2011, the Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day (CCFHD) will take place at the Old Cove Creek School in Watauga County. As always, there will be animals to see, apple butter being made, and good music and food. But this year will see the return of some other aspects of Farm Heritage, especially a Seed Swap where gardeners will be able to share some of this year’s harvest so that more people can plant heritage varieties next gardening season. Also, there will be some new events added to put even more of the ‘farm’ in Cove Creek Farm Heritage Day, including a Master Gardener Plant Clinic and a raspberry open house. The Heritage Day and Seed Swap will run from 10 AM – 4 PM, with the raspberry open house happening just from 3-4 PM that day.

Watauga County and the surrounding region have a rich history of gardeners and farmers saving heirloom varieties of tomatoes, peppers, peas, beans, sorghum, squashes, corn, and other vegetables. Many open-pollinated vegetables and grains are easy to save. Tomatoes, peppers, peas, and beans are among the easiest. Squashes, sorghum, and corn must be grown a little more carefully in order for the heirloom varieties to stay ‘true,’ but the process of saving the seeds is still relatively simple. Of course, gardeners also save potatoes, garlic bulbs, gladiolas, dahlias, and other vegetative parts of heirloom plants for propagation too, and all of these are welcome at the CCFHD Seed Swap. Information about seed saving techniques is available from the Watauga County Cooperative Extension office; contact richard_boylan@ncsu.edu or call 828-264-3061 for more information.

Watauga County Master Gardener Volunteers will also be at the CCFHD to assist gardeners in the diagnosis of plant problems, and answer any gardening questions that attendees might bring.

Just across from the Old Cove Creek High School, Watauga County grower Todd Nolt has planted several new varieties of primocane-fruiting raspberries. He will welcome visitors to see the plantings, and discuss this exciting fruit crop that seems to thrive in the High Country region.

8/31 Blackberry & Raspberry Workshop

On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, the 2011 Blackberry and Raspberry Workshop will be held at the Upper Mountain Research Station, in Laurel Springs, NC (Ashe County).  Registration begins at 9:00 AM.  Participants will have the chance to see new varieties of blackberries and raspberries growing in field and hoop house environments, and learn from some of the foremost researchers in the region. Dr. Gina Fernandez will teach about blackberry and raspberry production in and out of tunnels. Dr. Hannah Burrack will lead discussions of caneberry insect management, and Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie will instruct on post-harvest handling of caneberries. Classes and tours will be followed by a taste test of varieties grown on the station, and barbecue lunch. For more information, or to sign-up, call UMRS Station Director Ray Horton at 704-904-4117 or UMRS Administrative Assistant Margaret Blevins at 336-982-2501.

Food Safety Trainings 8/30 & 9/27

Fresh Produce Food Safety Courses To Be Held 8/30 & 9/27

As growers, we all need to make the safety of the foods we sell a top priority. Our customers, whether local or distant, deserve the best and safest foods we can possibly produce. Problems with the safety of some fresh-produce items in recent years have made headlines and caused sales of the suspected produce to plummet, whether the produce was really a cause of illness (e.g. – Spinach contaminated by E. coli in 2006) or not (the US-grown Tomatoes initially suspected in the 2008 Salmonella outbreak were not contaminated, yet tomato growers lost nearly $130 million in sales that year).

Growers can be aware of these issues, yet not paralyzed by fear or the threat of lawsuits. The keys to success are education, preparation, and implementing fresh produce food safety practices on your farm. Some growers may also need to obtain third-party certifications such as GAP (Good Agricultural Practices). But long before pursuing any outside certification, a grower should learn the practices that enhance food safety and put them into practice.

The New River Headwaters Area Alternative Agriculture Program and partners within Cooperative Extension will offer a series of classes to guide growers through evaluating and improving their own fresh produce food safety practices in August and September 2011. Field to Family is a new N.C. Cooperative Extension program developed to educate fruit and vegetable growers about measures to minimize food safety risks. The training focuses on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and managing risks from field to market.  The training consists of nine modules, broken into Tier 1 and Tier 2, addressing specific areas of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that together provide a comprehensive curriculum developed by leading researchers and Cooperative Extension specialists at N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University.  

The Tier 1 Food Safety Course will be offered at the Ashe County Cooperative Extension Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, from 10:00 AM through 6:00 PM. This course will cover the basics of ‘Fresh Produce Food Safety Issues and Considerations for Small Farms,’ ‘Implementing Fresh Produce Food Safety Practices on Your Small Farm,’ ‘Developing a Fresh Produce Food Safety Plan for Your Small Farm,’ and an introduction to ‘GAP certifications and Food Safety Audits – Does Your Farm Need Them?’

NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force will then conduct the Tier 2 N.C. MarketReady training workshop at 8:30-5:00, on Tuesday, September 27th, at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd. Boone, NC 28607.  Building upon the Tier 1 lessons, Tier 2 will address risk identification and management issues including transportation and traceability, product recalls, liability and insurance options, and developing a crisis strategy. Any grower considering GAP certification, whether due to buyer demand or other risk-management considerations, should plan to enroll in both the August and September courses. These courses will not be offered again in the region for quite some time!

These workshops will benefit not only growers and packinghouse managers, but also wholesalers and transportation managers who all play an integral role in maintaining the safety of fresh produce as it moves from the field to the consumer. Currently, GAPs certification is voluntary for North Carolina farmers, though outbreaks of food-borne illness in other parts of the country have resulted in increased pressure for all farmers to become certified.

The development of the N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family Initiative was funded with grants from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), NC Rural Economic Development Center and USDA Risk Management Agency.  N.C. Cooperative Extension faculty developed these resources as part of the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an educational outreach of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University. It has programs in all 100 counties and the Cherokee Reservation. This course is co-sponsored by the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant through the Appalachian District Health Department and US Department of Health and Human Services.

Growers wanting further information on Fresh Produce Food Safety issues, concerns, and these upcoming classes can call the Watauga County Cooperative Extension Center at 828-264-3061.

Extension Hosts Tier-1 Fresh Produce Safety Training for Growers August 30, 2011

Jefferson, N.C. – N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family is a new N.C. Cooperative Extension program developed to educate fruit and vegetable growers about measures to minimize food safety risks. The training focuses on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and what it takes to obtain GAPs certification.

Agents of the Ashe and Watauga Cooperative Extension Centers, and the NC Fresh Produce Food Safety Task Force, will conduct the Tier 1 N.C. MarketReady training workshop at the Ashe County Cooperative Extension Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tier 1 will address GAPs that are directly related to field production and harvest. The training will include an introduction to common food-borne pathogens and diseases as well as recognizing points of potential contamination, proper use of biosolids as a nutrient source, effective hand-washing procedures, packing facility cleanliness and verifying water quality for field application and postharvest handling. The cost for the course is $10 per person, and includes a resource notebook and a catered lunch. Pre-registration is required, and can be done by calling the Ashe County Cooperative Center at 336-846-5850.

Anyone involved in handling fresh produce, from farmers and field hands to packing house employees and truckers will benefit from the training by learning to identify and prevent contact between sources of contamination and fresh produce.

GAPs certification requires establishing a food safety plan and passing a third-party audit that assesses the strength of the food safety plan and ensures that it is properly implemented. Currently, GAPs certification is voluntary for North Carolina farmers, though outbreaks of food-borne illness in other parts of the country have resulted in increased pressure for all farmers to become certified. All farmers residing in Alleghany, Ashe, or Watauga Counties who complete both a Tier 1 and Tier 2 training (to be offered in Boone, NC on September 27, 2011) will be entered into a drawing for one of 10 awards of $500 that can be used toward GAP certification expenses or related equipment.

The development of the N.C. MarketReady Fresh Produce Safety – Field to Family curriculum was funded with grants from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and USDA Risk Management Agency.  N.C. Cooperative Extension faculty developed the curriculum as part of the N.C. Fresh Produce Safety Task Force. For more information contact Richard Boylan, Area Extension Agent for Agriculture at 336-846-5850 or 828-264-3061, richard_boylan@ncsu.edu. Learn more at www.ncmarketready.org.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is an educational outreach of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University. It has programs in all 100 counties and the Cherokee Reservation. Learn more at www.ces.ncsu.edu. This course is co-sponsored by the Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant through the Appalachian District Health Department and US Department of Health and Human Services.

Season Extension Field Day Thursday, September 22, 2011

Season Extension Field Day in Glendale Springs (Ashe Co.), NC: Thursday, September 22

On Thursday, September 22, from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, North Carolina Cooperative Extension will lead a Specialty Crops Field Day on producing specialty vegetable crops for winter harvests in the High Country region using High Tunnels and other season extension strategies. The Field Day will be held at three neighboring farms: Appalachian Trees, Blue Ridge Organics, and Berry Patch Farm.  

The Field Day will include a discussion of vegetable varieties suitable for market production during the ‘off-season’ with no added heat. The Field Day will be led by Rick Holness of NCA&T State University and Richard Boylan of Watauga and Ashe County Cooperative Extension Centers, as well as the participating host-farmers. The day’s speakers will jointly address issues of fertility, weed-management, insect-management, timing, and harvests. Participants will have the opportunity to scout growing crops at each of the three farms.

This Field Day is free and open to members of the public. All who attend will receive a resource packet on season-extension production, and farmers attending will also be entered into a drawing to win valuable books and other materials on greenhouse management and disease identification. Pre-registration is recommended. For more information or to pre-register, call the Ashe County Cooperative Extension Office at 336-846-5850.

4-H Club Fun

4-H’ers are exploring the world of cake decorating through the Appalachian Trailblazer 4-H club.   Beautiful cakes are great to share as gifts and to create for celebrations.  There are many shapes, colors, letterings and special effects to experiment with.   The participants are learning about different tools they can use, exploring the topics of colors and design, and showing persistence in practicing their skills.  The results are a tasty treat, but some are too pretty to eat!

Need a Wood Duck Box?

Tomatoes

Enjoy Now and Later

Vine-ripened tomatoes are finally maturing in High Country gardens. We have nearly three months to binge on this seasonal treat, and preserve some to make the winter months a bit more bearable.

Fortunately, heirloom tomatoes have made a come-back because of their rich, complex flavors. Paste tomatoes, like the oval-shaped Roma, are ideal for sauces and canning. They are “meatier” and less watery. Cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect for salads or a bite-sized snack.

All types are best when stored at room temperature, since the refrigerator seems to zap flavor.

Tomatoes may be preserved by canning, dehydrating (think sun-dried tomatoes) or freezing.

Canning is a good bit of work, but if you devote a day to it, many pounds may be preserved in the form of sauce, crushed or sliced tomatoes and even salsa. If a winter storm knocks out electricity, not a problem. This link provides many recipes that have been tested for safety:  http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can3_tomato.html

To dehydrate in our humid region, you must have a food dehydrator. Follow the recipes specific for the dehydrator.

Freezing seems to be the easiest preservation method. I have frozen cherry tomatoes by placing them on a cookie sheet to freeze, and then into a freezer bag. That keeps them from clumping together. Larger tomatoes may be sliced to desired size and then frozen the same way. Some people like to blanch them first to remove the skin. Just dip in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge in ice water bath and peel.

Slow roasting is a technique that may be used to serve immediately, or to prepare tomatoes for freezing. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Wash and cut tomatoes into half-inch slices or quarters and arrange on a baking sheet. Brush the tomato slices with olive oil and sprinkle with an herb blend. Roast slowly for about three hours. Serve as a side dish or over pasta, or package for freezing.

Nutritionally, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which provides the red color and may help prevent heart disease and cancer, especially prostate cancer. They are also a good source of vitamin C and A, with only 22 calories in a medium tomato.

Try this recipe for a tasty snack or beautiful appetizer.

Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Basil

Sliced tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (or crumbled feta)

Fresh basil leaves

Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Top sliced tomatoes with mozzarella cheese or sprinkle with feta crumbles. Cut fresh basil leaves with scissors and sprinkle on cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Margie Mansure, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and extension agent with NC Cooperative Extension. She offers personalized classes to improve the health of citizens in Watauga County through worksites, schools and community groups. margie_mansure@ncsu.edu., (828)264-3061

Participate in the Mountain State Fair

Get your entries to the Mountain State Fair with the Pony Express

Want to show off your summer’s bounty?  Why not create an entry for the Mountain State Fair. Exhibit a beautiful flower or giant squash.   Create an amazing recipe.  Or, if you created a wonderful piece of art, you can enter it- drawings, crafts, photographs recycled art and more.  The fair makes it easier for us to participate with the Pony Express.  They will come pick up your non-perishable items on and return them after the fair!    You can drop off your items by August 22 at the Cooperative Extension office. 

See what competitions you can join in on at http://www.mountainfair.org

The event goes from September 9-18 in Fletcher, NC

4-H Horse Fun Show

Blue Ridge Open Charity Horse Show hosted by 4-H

Join us in beautiful Blowing Rock for our horse fun show.

Saturday, September 24- Sunday, September 25

Day 1: Halter, Western, Non-trotting, fun games

Day 2: English, Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage Suitability

Location: Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve

Start time: Saturday, 9:30 am; Sunday, 8:30 am

Please visit our website for pre-registration, manuals and more information.

Market on Wheels

One of the highlights of working with Extension is occasionally escaping from the office to interact with folks and farms in the county. A quick visit to the Wednesday Watauga County Farmers market in the K-Mart parking got me to open my wallet to some fresh produce and honey. I also got to check in with Bill Moretz, President of the Watauga County Farmers Market and local farmer. He was getting ready to deliver a trailer full of CSA shares. Each week in the summer, he's delivering bushel boxes of produce to the hospital for staff to enjoy some of the fresh produce the High Country has to offer. You can also find Bill and other local farmers at the Watauga County Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Blowing Rock Farmers Market on Thursday afternoons.

Is this a farm?

On the way to visit a Christmas tree grower I passed a farm whose owners bring attention to the fact that their property is indeed a farm. One of the challenges that farmers here in the county face is a changing demographic of their neighbors. Many of the county's new residents are folks from urban backgrounds who have moved to Watauga County (and other mountain counties) for the peace and quiet of a mountain vacation home. When they purchase properties next to farms, they are sometimes unaware and quite surprised to find out what a working farm is all about. Many farmers in the county participate in the county's voluntary Farmland Preservation program which provides them protection from "nuisance lawsuits" that some new neighbors indeed have attempted to litigate because...tractors are loud in the morning, chicken litter fertilizer stinks, and cows do sometimes get through a fence. Hopefully any potential vacation home buyers and/or their Realtors can interpret this farmer's subtle message.

“Serving Latinos” Seminar at Ag Conference Center Aug. 11

A one-day seminar on "Serving Latinos" will be held at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone on Thursday, August 11, from 9am-4pm. The “Serving Latinos” program is designed to help professionals who wish to better understand the cultural issues involved when providing services to Latinos in North Carolina. The seminar is offered by FaithAction International House and sponsored by the NC Dept of Health and Human Services and NC Cooperative Extension.

The fast moving three-part seminar utilizes a variety of media and interaction. In part one, participants will learn why so many Latinos have migrated to North Carolina, where they come from, and how they have impacted our state. Part two explores the key cultural elements that often cause difficulties for English-speaking helpers trying to communicate with Spanish- speaking clients. Real life examples from around North Carolina are used to illustrate the complexities of trying to help folk from a different cultural and linguistic heritage. The third part provides highly practical information about reaching out to Latinos, as well as some key legal information that all helping professionals should understand when serving Latinos.

All participants will receive a CD-ROM containing PowerPoint Presentations utilized during the seminar, as well as an extensive compilation of documents that will be of use in their work setting.

About the Presenter:

Dr. Mark Sills is the founding Executive Director of FaithAction International House in Greensboro. He is the author of the study guide "Hispanics in North Carolina: An Introduction to Your New Neighbors."

Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. Space is limited to 30 participants, so please RSVP to Dr. Jim Hamilton at the Watauga Extension Office no later than Wednesday, August 10. (828) 264-3061