International Produce Training

International Produce Training is proud to announce a new addition to its team.  Paul Manol has joined IPT to lend his experience to the development and delivery of training classes for the inspection procedures of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Paul brings a wealth of experience to the training class room.  He began is USDA career in 1977, with the USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) as a grain sampler/technician later becoming a grain inspector.

In 1983, he transferred to the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Division (FFV) of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) as a produce inspector in Philadelphia. He later served as Officer-in-Charge of the Savannah, Georgia terminal market (1984-87) and then as the Federal Supervisor for the State of Connecticut and Officer-in-charge of the Hartford terminal market (1987) prior to moving to Washington, DC as a Marketing Specialist with the FFV Standardization Section.  In 1990,he became the Deputy Director of the Fresh Products Field Operations Section, with primary duties for management and oversight of the U.S. Peanut Inspection Program.

Early in 2001, Paul became the International Standards Coordinator with USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Program.  In this position, he represented the interests of American agriculture and the U.S. government in dealing with international standards organizations such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Late in 2001, Paul joined our training group as a Training Specialist at the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Program’s newly established Training and Development Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, he instructed both new and seasoned official inspection personnel, sister agency employees, international partners/cooperators, and members of the produce industry in the uniform application of grading standards and procedures with regard to fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. He also co-authored USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Division Good Agricultural Practices/Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) program, serving as one of its primary instructors.

When I asked Paul what position with the USDA he enjoyed the most, he replied,

“Of all of my experiences with USDA, serving as a Trainer for fruit and vegetable inspection was my real area of passion. It afforded me an opportunity to develop produce inspection training materials utilized by USDA licensed inspectors as well as by the produce industry. Providing inspection and standards training for produce buyers, salespeople, and quality control/assurance inspectors also gave me first hand knowledge of industry needs pertaining to quality assessment of fresh products.”

IPT is lucky to have Paul as a member of its training staff, but the real beneficiary will be the people he trains.

The 4th Annual Training Class, in cooperation with the Southeast Produce Council has been scheduled.  Although International Produce Training (IPT) generally holds training classes at host company’s facilities, IPT looks forward to providing this training class on fresh produce inspection procedures, open to all industry members.   The Southeast Produce Council offers this training class, free to their members, but does offer the opportunity for non-members to attend, by paying a small registration fee.  The fee includes the registration costs of the two, 2-day training sessions and a yearly membership into the Southeast Produce Council.

The agenda has been established and once again the attendees will learn inspection procedures on a wide variety of products.  Strawberries, Blueberries, Lettuce, Potatoes, Grapes and Peppers are just a few that will be covered in the first two-day session.

The training class is designed to provide everyone the opportunity for hands-on, with multiple grading exercises included in the training.  Defect identification and scoring guidelines are discussed, cutting procedures are explained, and USDA visual aids are shown during the training exercises.

The dates of this year’s classes are:  Part I on May 8th and 9th, 2013 and Part II on October 9th and 10th, 2013.  Delhaize America has graciously accepted to host the training classes in Plant City, Fl.  You can click here for more information and to register for the class.  The class size is limited to only 20 participants, and registration is on a first come-first serve basis.

In collaboration with the Southeast Produce Council, IPT recently completed their 2 part training class.  Annually, SPC hosts a four day training class, with the first two days held in May and the second two days held in October.  Fortunately, for everyone within the produce industry these classes are open to all.  If you are a current member of the Southeast Produce Council the registration fees are provided at no cost.  For all others a small registration fee is required, but this fee includes the registration for the four day training class as well as a year’s membership within SPC.

The class, rotated on an annual basis, was held in Salisbury, NC, courtesy of the Delhaize Group.  The participants included employees from the grower/shipper side as well as the wholesaler side, which leads to lively discussions, and an opportunity to share personal experiences.  A win/win for everyone.

The class curriculum was designed to encompass as much hands-on grading exercises as possible.  Inspection demonstrations prefaced each grading exercise and groups and individuals inspected their own product.  The defects were discussed and the proper scoring procedures were introduced into each lesson.  This agenda included lessons and grading exercises on the following commodities;  Apples, Pears, Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons, Limes, Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Cantaloups, Honeydews, Eggplant and Tomatoes.

International Produce Training provides training to individual companies and groups, designing specific training classes for their employees.  The training classes are held at the host company’s warehouse, eliminating lost time and travel expenses for their staff.  Dates and times of the classes for 2013 hosted by the Southeast Produce Council have not yet been determined.  If your company, organization, produce market or group would like to host a training class, please contact IPT to discuss your training ideas.  Click here to read SPC’s news release.

The Defense Commissary Agency is in the process of drafting their contracts and it is being reported that the mandatory USDA inspection requirement for fresh fruit and vegetables will be eliminated.  I won’t attempt to guess as to their reasoning, but I have to assume cost-cutting is one of their main motives.  With the USDA charging the vendors approximately $150,000/year for a full time inspector, these cost savings can now be passed onto the customers of the commissaries.

To summarize from DeCA’s own web site:

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) oversees the operation of a worldwide chain of military commissaries. DeCA commissaries provide groceries for cost plus 5% surcharge. Purchasing goods from the commissary saves a family an average of more than 30% compared to shopping at civilian grocery stores. Commissary use is available to Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve Soldiers, to Retirees, and to qualified dependents. Authorized shoppers are required to possess and show a Uniformed Services’ Identification Card (ID).

I have recently been contacted by a few wholesalers who are planning on submitting bids for these contracts and are very interested in training classes for their Q & A personnel.  International Produce Training (IPT) has already designed training classes for some vendors in anticipation of this new DeCA requirement and is capable of meeting these training requirements.  Basing the training class on USDA inspection procedures and policies, IPT offers one day, two day or three day training classes.  All participants, after passing an end of course assessment, will be presented a Certificate of Completion, for attending the fresh fruit and vegetable inspection training class.

The training classes are designed for specific wholesalers, and will be held at their location.  Having the instructor come to their warehouse will save on travel expenses and lost travel time for their employees.  Contact IPT for further information if you have questions about the training classes.

International Produce Training Company (IPT) receives countless numbers of requests by individuals seeking an affordable training class on the inspection for fresh fruit and vegetables.  Through the collaboration with the Southeast Produce Council, IPT is happy to announce registrations are now being taken for the next training class.  This class in Part II of the 2012 class schedule, and is scheduled for October 17-18, 2012, in Salisbury, NC.  A certificate of attendance is provided to those participants attending Parts 1 and Part II.  If you missed the chance to attend the first session you are still eligible to attend Part II of 2012 and Part I of 2013 to fulfill your completion requirements.

 The upcoming class will focus primarily on specific commodities, their sampling methods, sizing requirements, tolerances, defect identification and their scoring guidelines.  Part I includes lessons on the fundamentals of inspection as well as some commodities.  The agenda has not been finalized, but some of the commodities to be covered include:

• Apples
• Pears
• Citrus
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Cucumbers

All training classes include a short lecture on each commodity, explaining defects commonly found, cutting techniques, and is followed with a grading demonstration and a hands-on grading exercise by each participant.  Sizing rings, visual aids and inspection equipment are used for every grading demonstration.

The training class is limited to 20 participants, so early registration is encouraged.  Please contact Southeast Produce Council for all registration information.  If you would like host your own training event, for your company, for your terminal market, or for your members, please contact International Produce Training directly to discuss your training needs.

The third annual training class, in collaboration with the Southeast Produce Council, completed Part I of a two part course in early May.  Eighteen participants attended the 2-day training class, making up a wide range of experience.  Food Lion Inc, Salisbury, NC hosted the training class, with attendees from Delhaize America along with other retailers, wholesalers, and grower/shippers.

The training class agenda was designed to include approximately 3 hours of introductory lessons, reviewing the basic inspection procedures, how to read and interpret a U.S. Grade Standard, general terms and definitions, and some background information regarding PACA good delivery tolerances.  The remainder of the class time was devoted to specific commodity lectures and hands-on grading exercises.

(Maria Capane, CH Robinson, Paul Cross, Nova Produce, and Jim Hutto, Delhaize America, discuss some defects found during the potato grading exercise)

The commodities covered in this class included:

• Sweet Peppers
• Blueberries
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Summer Squash
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Watermelons

Plans are under way to develop the second part to this course, as the items for the agenda are being considered.  The dates for this second class are October 17-18, 2o12, at Salisbury, NC once again.  There may be approximately 5 open slots for this course.  If you are interested in attending please click on the link to the Southeast Produce Council for registration information.

International Produce Training usually holds training classes for company personnel at the company’s warehouse.  The classes are tailored to the specific needs of the company, commodities are chosen by the company, and travel expenses and time lost is kept to a minimum. 

IPT does receive many requests from individuals looking for a training class that is available for them to attend.  In collaboration with the Southeast Produce Council (SPC), International Produce Training will be providing the training on the proper inspection procedures of fresh fruit and vegetables open to all members of Southeast Produce Council, free of charge.  If space is available SPC will open the training class to anyone interested in attending. For a nominal registration fee of $495, includes 4 days of training, and a one year membership to SPC.

The training class is being held at Food Lion’s DC, in Salisbury, NC on May 9-10.  Part two of the training will be also be held in Salisbury, NC, on October 17-18, 2012.  At the conclusion of all four sessions participants will receive a certificate of completion.

The training class in May will include the following commodities:

• Sweet Peppers
• Peaches
• Blueberries
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Sweet corn
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Watermelons

If you are interested in attending this training session, please click here for registration information.

In conjuction with Southeast Produce Council, International Produce Training completed part 2 of the annual fresh produce inspection training program.  From  October 12-13, 2011, eighteen people from various fresh produce companies attended the training class.  15 of the attendees received their completion certificates, having successfully two 2-day training classes.  The first class was held in May 2011.

Front Row L/R-  Osmin Mercedez, O’Neal  Hendrix, Chris Nichols, Blair Greenhill, Jim Distefano, Ben Nash, Jim Windle, Nick Hood, Wade Davis    Back Row L/R- Nyerere Francis, Bruce Letchworth, Lee Allmon, Ernesto Sanabria, Brent Miller, Wayne King, Dale Hubbard, Tom Yawman, Steve Bradshaw (Not pictured- Tony Harmon)

The class was hosted by General Produce, Inc., Forest Park, GA.  These annual training courses are open, with no registration fee, for any member of the Southeast Produce Council.  Non members are allowed to attend with a nominal registration fee. 

The training class is designed to allow for ample time for hands on inspection exercises.  Each commodity includes a short lecture, explaining the sampling procedures, grades, tolerances and common defects for each.  Grading exercises, complete with a demonstration depicting cutting methods and defect identification follow.  Some of the main commodities covered in this inspection training class included: Apples, Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes and Melons.

Plans are being made for the the training classes in 2012.  Tentative dates are May 9-10, with the class being held in Salisbury, NC.    Updates about class dates and location will be forthcoming.  Watch this web site for news regarding registration.  The class size will be limited to the first twenty registrants.

There has been a noticeable increase in training requests, with wholesalers asking about training certification.  International Produce Training does provide training certification to all attendees that successfully complete their training program.  Some of the inspection procedure training objectives include:

• To read and understand U.S. Grade Standards and defect tolerances
• Defect identification
• Defect scoring guidelines
• Proper inspection procedures, including sampling, sizing and cutting for internal defects
• Proper use of inspection terminology and use of general terms
• The ability to determine if a lot is in grade or out of grade 

The USDA is simply out-pricing themselves right out of the inspection business.   Most chain stores and major wholesalers refuse to request inspections from the USDA.  If a shipper requests an inspection on rejected product the receiver will oblige, but the inspection fees for all rejected product are borne by the shipper.  But with the USDA poised to raise their inspection fees once again, shippers across the country are depending on the receivers’ own in-house inspections to determine where to send rejected loads.  If the receiver demonstrates a competent quality assurance staff, the shipper will accept their inspection numbers and fore-go paying the USDA’s inflated inspection fees.  Many wholesalers are also using the certification to present to potential customers, ensuring their product is indeed top quality.

Aside from inspection fees, many receivers are finding it more and more difficult to find a local USDA inspection office to perform inspections.  I asked one recent company if they used the USDA inspection service for their problem loads and the buyer responded, “The USDA?  Are they still doing inspections?”  Not too long ago there were USDA offices and inspectors in Providence, RI, Charleston, WV, New Orleans, LA, Salt Lake City, UT, El Paso, TX, Buffalo, NY, Harrisburg, PA, Knoxville, TN and Columbus, OH.  No more.  If a shipper or receiver wishes to request an inspection in most parts of the country they face inspection fees of at least $115 per commodity, round trip mileage of $1.32/mile and possible additional overtime at a rate of $38/hour, all totally up to hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Fortunately IPT will provide wholesalers receiving staff certification for successfully completing the training course and shippers are welcome to verify any certifications.

The first of two training classes in 2011, being sponsored by the Southeast Produce Council, hosted by General Produce, Inc., Forest Park, Ga has been completed.  Approximately 16 participants attended the 2-day training class, which covered general inspection procedures, U.S. Grade Standards, defect identification and grading demonstrations.

This very lively, interactive group originated from produce companies primarily in the southeast, with a few participants coming from New Hampshire and The Bronx, NY.  The group was comprised with varying degrees of experience and job functions, offering their input and comments throughout the class.

The first half day consisted of classroom style lectures, reviewing the basics of performing an inspection, introduction to the inspection terminology, and learning how to read and understand the U.S. Grade Standards.

The remainder of the time was spent reviewing specific commodity inspection procedures, defect identification and defect scoring guidelines for that commodity, as well making the determination of the lot would be “in-grade”, accepted or rejected.

The commodities covered during this training class included: Peppers, Potatoes, Grapes, Mangos, Blueberries, Peaches, Strawberries, Corn and Summer Squash.  Having such a diverse group offered everyone the opportunity to share their experiences and some of their company specifications and causes for rejection with the class.

Front Row- L/R- Mike Roper, Wade Davis, Blair Greenhill, Jim Distefano, Osmin Mercedez, Abdellah Lafridi,       Back Row- Tom Yawman, Nick Hood, Lee Allmon, Ben Nash, Bruce Letchworth, Jose Cardenas, Brent Miller, Nyerere Francis, Chris Nichols, Dale Hubbard

The second half of the training event is being scheduled for a 2-day class, hosted once again by General Produce, Inc, Forest Park, GA, on October 12-13, 2011.  If you are interested in attending this training class please contact Southeast Produce Council for registration information.