Produce Inspection Training Program
About the Program
Registration is now open for the 2013 Produce Inspection Training courses. Click here for the full list of 2013 course dates. 
United Fresh and the USDA-AMS have partnered to bring the industry the Produce Inspection Training Program. This unique program is designed to provide real, hands-on instruction from USDA experts to anyone involved in the produce supply chain - grower to retailer.
If you receive, handle, buy, ship, or sell produce - this course is for you!
This specialized training consists of two courses: Fundamentals of Produce Inspection and Commodity Labs. The 2-day Fundamentals Course is a classroom-based program that covers grading, standards, tolerances, PACA, sampling procedures, and more.
The 3-day Commodity Labs course focuses on hands-on commodity inspections in the lab. Each Commodity Labs course includes inspection of the five most commonly requested commodities: grapes, lettuces, potatoes, strawberries, and tomatoes, plus up to 7 additional commodities based on the attendees' most common preferences.
The 2013 Training Programs will take place at the USDA SCI Training and Development Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Program Curriculum
The Produce Inspection Training Program consists of two courses: Fundamentals of Produce Inspection and Commodity Labs. The 2-day Fundamentals Course is a classroom-based program that covers grading, standards, tolerances, PACA, sampling procedures, and more.
The 3-day Commodity Labs course focuses on hands-on commodity inspections in the lab. Each Commodity Labs course includes inspection of the five most commonly requested commodities: grapes, lettuces, potatoes, strawberries, and tomatoes, plus up to 7 additional commodities based on the attendees' most common preferences. (The Fundamentals Course is a prerequisite to attending the Commodity Labs.)
Click here for a sample course agenda.
Upon completion of both courses, attendees receive a certificate of attendance from United Fresh and the USDA.
Who Attends
This course is designed for produce buyers, warehouse managers, field inspectors, produce inspectors, quality control managers, quality assurance managers, packing supervisors, produce receivers, operations managers, dock supervisors, inventory control managers and more.
Since the program was started in 2002, over 700 produce industry professionals have participated in this program.
Course Registration
Sign-up your team to become more proficient and knowledgeable about quality control standards, inspection grading, USDA produce procedures and requirements, and much more! Registration for the Produce Inspection Training Program includes all classroom sessions and handouts.
Register today for the 2013 Produce Inspection Training:
- January 14-18, 2013 Full Course (Fundamentals & Labs)
- January 14-15, 2013 Fundamentals of Produce Inspection *
- January 16-18, 2013 Commodity Labs
June Course Dates:
- June 3-7, 2013 Full Course (Fundamentals & Labs)
- June 3-4, 2013 Fundamentals of Produce Inspection *
- June 5-7, 2013 Commodity Labs
September Course Dates:
- September 16-20, 2013 Full Course (Fundamentals & Labs)
- September 16-17, 2013 Fundamentals of Produce Inspection *
- September 18-20, 2013 Commodity Labs
*Attendees must attend the Fundamentals Course as a pre-requisite to the Commodity Labs
The 2013 Training Programs will take place at the USDA SCI Training and Development Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia, located approximately 1 hour driving distance from Washington, DC and 1 hour driving distance from Richmond, VA. Please note, attendees will need to provide their own transportation to and from the airport, as well as the training center each day.
Group Discounts!
Companies who register three or more attendees for the Full Course (Fundamentals & Commodity Labs) Courses will receive a $100 a discount off each registration fee. Registrations must be received at the same time or the discount will not apply.
Click here to download the registration form, register online, or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , education manager, at 202-303-3405 for more information.