During September, 11 online training sessions were performed through the Zoom platform for the 2021-2022 season, with very important subjects for the farming industry, such as Social Responsibility certifications such as SMETA, food safety & traceability practices, new FDA’s FSMA regulations, among others.

1. Practices to Prevent Pollution by Agrochemicals

Introduced by Dr. Jorge Humberto Siller Cepeda – Consultant in Food Safety and Sustainability.

The purpose of this training was to update knowledge and extend the perspective on handling agrochemicals, in order to prevent pollution and reduce the risk of affecting the health of population, the economy of the company and the impact for the environment.

2. Traceability and Product Withdrawal

Introduced by MSc. Miguel Ángel de los Santos Vázquez – AGRESPA Consultant.

The purpose of this webinar was for the participant to be able to develop traceability and product withdrawal protocols, and also to monitor these through test runs. The participant was able to learn: Elements of a traceability system, elements of a retirement plan and test runs, and efficiency evaluation.

3. Handling Empty Containers from Agrochemicals

Introduced by: Eng. Abraham Salas Chávez – Regional Coordinator in Sinaloa/Durango/Nayarit Campo Limpio AMOCALI, A.C.

This webinar provides a thorough guide so that assistants are able to learn how to provide a final and sustainable destination to plastic remaining in the field after using crop protection and pesticide products so these can be recycled and; therefore, avoid risks to animal and human health, and pollution of the environment. The participant was able to learn: types of residues, characteristics of the Campo Limpio program, triple wash technique, and delivery of containers to collection centers.

4. Key Requirements of the Foreign Suppliers Verification Program (FSVP) and FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule (PSR)

Introduced by PhD. Mauricio Castelo – Produce Safety Expert Division of Produce Safety US FDA

In this training, the speaker shared general information about the Foreign Suppliers Verification Program (FSVP) and about FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule (PSR). If your company exports fresh produce into the US, then you must comply with the food safety rule for fresh produce, this is why you must be able to answer the following questions: What are the Standards for Crop, Harvest, Packaging, and Storage of Fresh Produce?, Who must comply with the produce safety rule? What are the resources available to understand and be compliant with the produce safety rule? Who can I contact if I have any questions about the rule?

5. Risk Management in a New Post-COVID-19 Reality

Introduced by Mr. Jorge Alegría Formoso – AMIUS and Mr. Erik Norland – CME Group

This webinar explained that the key factor in Risk Management is exposure to variations in foreign exchange rates. As an unexpected variation, it may mean the loss of the income expected and be out of business.

Over 90% of operations in Foreign Exchange are made by “robots” which do not make their choices by rational factors, but by algorithm considerations, which increases market uncertainty.

Experts in the subject shared a reading with us and their recommendations to go through such reality and the importance of having cutting-edge instruments in order to deal with such scenarios in a swift and efficient matter.

6. Risk Assessment

Introduced by Biologists Sabas Uriel Urías Romero. Professional in Pollution Risk Reduction Systems (PSRRC) at CESAVESIN

This course described the methodology to perform a risk assessment of company operations in terms of food safety, so that the participant is able to perform and read a risk assessment and implement it on the company operations.

7. What are SRRC?

Introduced by Biologist Elaine Wilson Estefan – Professional in Pollution Risk Reduction Systems (PSRRC) at CESAVESIN

This webinar will reveal the tools needed to implement the pollution risk reduction systems in primary production of vegetables, by letting everyone know about the information and useful tools to staff in charge of coordinating and implementing Pollution Risk Reduction Systems (SRRC in Spanish) in Primary Production Systems and Packaging of Produce and fresh vegetables.

8. Practical Tools to Lead and Be Happy

Introduced by Mr. Georgius Gotsis, Veggies From Mexico Manager by Eleven Rivers Growers

The speaker shared with assistants some tools related to habits, physical and emotional care of ourselves. Such simple tools can be applied immediately, and see results in the short term. This allows the person to optimize its life in  personal, family and work areas.

9. SMETA 4 Pillars Course 6.1 Version

Introduced by Mrs. Norma Angélica Olmedo Díaz – SMETA Auditor

In this 3-day course, participants will obtain the grounds to understand the SMETA 4 Pillars criteria. With this guidance, they may be able to efficiently implement the requirements derived from this specification.

10. Digitalization and AI in Farming

Introduced by MSc. Germán Alfaro – AI Solutions Developer in Farming Production

In this webinar, the participant will learn about: The need for digitalization in the field, the potential of AI in farming, the possibility of cost efficiency, the increase in production and risk assessment in product and market through the implementation of technological tools.

11. Diken International Supports for Food Safety

Introduced by: MSc. Gema Lorena López Lizárraga

The purpose of this webinar is for participants to acquire knowledge in the safety management of chemicals. The course addressed subjects such as health design of food facilities, machine release criteria, chemical treatments, crossed contamination causes, relevant aspects of NOM-018-STPS-2015 and also a guidance to develop the Food Defense Plan, so these can be applied to working areas and contribute this way in continuous improvement of the company.