RCDR.biz

`Center For Latino Farmers`

* Connect Latino producers to USDA, WSDA & Ag trade programs & services

* Conduct educational workshops in English/Spanish for farm sustainability

* Assist producers to apply & qualify for low interest FSA loans

* Coordinate projects on farm development

* Promote & develop marketing cooperatives for increased profits

SERVICE AREA

State of Washington

NEWS RELEASE

“Food Safety Series Increased Knowledge”

Yakima, WA-The Center for Latino Farmers, a division of RCDR, hosted an informative educational series titled “Food Safety for Farmers & Consumers” which took place at Columbia Basin College in Pasco. This series targeted new and beginning farmers and farm workers transitioning to farm owners. The series and its success was made possible through a partnership grant from the WA State Dept. of Ag (WSDA).

The 20-hr series was held during the evening on June 25-28, 2018 to accommodate the schedules of specialty producers and/or farmworkers that also work full time at other orchards/farms. A total of 25 farmers and farmworkers attended the class of which 24 received a Certificate of Completion. Pre-post quizzes determined that the attendees had increased their knowledge by 76% on the various topics discussed. This high percentage was owed to the presenters’ expertise in the area and being able to inform the farmers of better food safety strategies, rules & regulations, and what it means to them

The series came about after hearing farmers’ concerns on the regulations and requirements in the implementation of the national Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA/FDA) and other food safety rules and regulations. The topics of the workshops included experts from various agencies such as WSDA, USDA-FSA, NRCS, L & I, ag industry Simplot Co, Farm Auditor, WSCC, Farm Credit Service, Columbia Basin South Irrigation District, WA Farm Bureau, the knowledge of the presenters and availability of ongoing translations made it a comfortable environment for all attendees to engage in the discussion of topics.

The Center was very grateful to include a farming family which the children are in the FFA program, they all have worked in the family farm from a very young age. They all have a big desire to be the future farmers of America.

Bertín Arteaga, Agustín Arteaga, Juan Becerra, Daniel Flores, Kristen Fuentes, Jemeily Fuentes, Karen Fuentes, Maria Giedra (Staff) Roberto Fuentes Sr, Roberto Fuentes Jr, Alexis Fuentes, Luz Gómez, José J Gurrola, Gabriel Gurrola, Maria Gutiérrez, Jorge Mendoza, Diego Montes, José Moreno, Reynaldo Ortiz, José Quintero, Israel Rivera, Daniel Torres, Ingrid Villeda Santiago Zaragoza

Food Safety Educational Series a Success in Pasco Feb 26-28, Mar 1

Juan Gonzalez, Jacobo Patricio, Yolanda Valencia, Jesus Ibarra, Christopher Farias, Rosario Farias, Maria Mixquitl, Maria Giedra (Center Staff), Deysi Gonzalez (Center Staff) Onorio Mosqueda, Maria Jauregui, Rodolfo Hurtado, Chris Bieker (USDA-FSA), Rafael Hernandez, Ladislao Miranda, Heriberto Silva, Nicolas Zamago, Dolores Hernandez, Nelson Robles, Roberto Fuentes, Custodio Olivera, Maria L. Olivera, Ruben Cortez, Edgar Delgado, Antonio Vargas, Raul F. Garcia

Food Safety Educational Training a Success in Yakima November 2017

Maria Giedra, CLF Staff, Crispín Garza, USDA-FSA, Guadalupe Razo, Filiberto Razo, Ramona Lopez, Ana Pérez, Juan Sr. Pérez, Nauth Esteves, Reinaldo Ayala, Letka Dorantes, Rosanel Almada, Anel Dorantes, Leonel Valencia, Jose Valencia, Victoria Lopez, Rafael Lopez, Ricardo Espinoza, Pedro Rodríguez, Carmen Rodríguez, Abril Lopez, Nicolás Pérez, Carmen Hurtado, Rodolfo Hurtado, Thomas Schneider, Ramona Quiñones, Nicolás Pérez, Obed Pérez, Evaristo Silva Jr., Obed Pérez, Agustín Arteaga, Bertín Arteaga, Elías Moreno, Rafael Caldera and Maria DJ Rodríguez, Executive Director.