Identifying Training Needs in Washington through Insights from Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training

The Produce Safety Alliance was founded to provide standardized training on the Produce Safety Rule. An assessment of knowledge gained from Produce Safety Alliance grower trainings was conducted to identify topics needing additional educational support for the Washington State produce industry. Knowledge gain was assessed through a 25-question pretest (n = 152) and posttest (n = 138) conducted at 10 trainings in 2022. Overall, a significant 15.6% (four-point) improvement in knowledge was observed from the pre- to posttest. Module-specific changes varied from 1.4 to 22.3%. Despite significant knowledge gain, posttest correct response rates for the Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use and How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan modules were below 75%, highlighting the need for targeted resources. Knowledge changes for the 25 questions ranged from −2.7 to 49.6%, revealing that specific topics lack adequate understanding, despite satisfactory overall module knowledge. Recommendations include the development of tailored materials for the produce industry (e.g., fact sheets), as well as resources to help educators facilitate learning (e.g., hands-on activities). A thorough review of the pre- and posttests is crucial to ensure that the current assessment accurately gauges training effectiveness. Continuous assessment of food safety education programs is essential for guiding current and future educational initiatives.