2027 NECAFS Annual Meeting
The 2027 NECAFS Annual Meeting will be held February 10-11, 2027, at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, West Virginia.
Pre-Meeting Trainings
NECAFS is excited to partner with the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) and the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) to offer a Food Traceability Rule Lead Instructor Course on February 8-9, 2027, immediately preceding the NECAFS Annual Meeting at the same location.
The full training will be offered in two parts: a virtual participant course on January 26-27 and the in-person lead instructor training on February 8-9 in Charleston, WV. Both parts are required. The cost of the course is covered for educators and other eligible food safety professionals. Additionally, NECAFS is able to support travel and conference expenses for those in the Northeast region. Interested parties should reach out to Annie Fitzgerald at anne.fitzgerald@uvm.edu as soon as possible.
Northeast Produce Safety Regulators training will be offered at the same location on February 9, 2027.
Registration and agendas expected mid/late November.
Summary of 2026 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Providence, RI
The 2026 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held in Providence, RI, February 3 & 4. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
Summary of 2026 NECAFS Annual Meeting Evaluation Final Report (PDF)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Welcome Reception
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Registration and Welcome Reception with Cash Bar |
| 7:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own |
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Plenary Session
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:30 - 8:40 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks: Ken Ayars, Chief, Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment, RI Department of Environmental Management |
| 8:40 - 9:00 a.m. | NECAFS Welcome and Review of the Past Year: Chris Callahan, NECAFS, University of Vermont; Elizabeth Newbold, NECAFS, University of Vermont |
| 9:00 - 10:10 a.m. | Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse Update: Creating and Implementing Resource Catalog Taxonomies: Annie Fitzgerald, NECAFS, University of Vermont |
| 10:10 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. | Break |
| 10:25 - 11:00 a.m. | Review of Produce Safety and Preventive Controls Needs Data: Anna Loewald, NECAFS, University of Vermont; Ben Comeau, Mass Dept of Ag Resources; Meredith Melendez, Rutgers University; Nicole Richard, University of Rhode Island |
| 11:00 a.m. - noon | Break Out Group Exercise: Resource Discussion and Development Planning and Report Out |
| Noon - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch |
Produce Safety Regulator and Program Staff Meeting
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Aggregated Regional Inspectional Observations: Ben Comeau, Mass Dept of Ag Resources (Closed session for state produce safety inspectors and program staff only) |
| 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Technical Session: Observation Writing – Building Confidence and Learning from other Approaches: Chris Obergfell, NY Department of Ag and Markets; Tucker Diego, VT Agency of Agriculture; Ananda Fraser, RI Dept of Environmental Management, Moderator (Closed session for state produce safety inspectors and program staff only) |
| 3:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. | Partner Updates: AFDO, NASDA, FDA |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Senior Program Leaders Break Out Group: Michael Botelho, Mass Dept of Ag Resources (Closed session for CAP Program PIs, Program Leads, and Program Leadership) |
Produce Safety and Preventive Controls Educators
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Measuring What Matters: Tools and Approaches for Evaluating the Impact of Food Safety Extension Programs: Byron Chaves, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Assoumpta Umwali Ujeneza, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| 2:30 - 2:45 p.m. | Break |
Produce Safety Educators
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:45 - 3:15 p.m. | OFRR Follow-Up Survey - Use of the OFRR Post Farm Visit Survey Data: Meredith Melendez, Rutgers University |
| 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. | Irrigation Water Risks and Treatment Overview with a Focus on Validation of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) treatment in harvested rainwater used for irrigation of fresh produce: Kevin Tarwa, University of Maryland |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Putting a “whole farm lens” on produce safety—integrating multiple topics in Extension education: Wendy Johnecheck, University of New Hamshire; Lisa McKeag, University of Massachusetts |
Preventive Controls Regulators
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | Welcome, introductions, goals, and group discussion: Sarah Czapranski, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Moderator |
| 2:30 - 2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. | Group Discussion |
| 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. | Environmental sampling in food facilities: Jason Holleran, Ohio Department of Agriculture |
Preventive Controls Educators
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:45 - 3:25 p.m. | Meeting FDA Training Requirements for Small-Scale Processors of Water Activity Controlled Foods and Acidified Foods: a discussion: Elizabeth Sullivan, Cornell University |
| 3:25 - 3:50 p.m. | Innovative Online Training in Food Processing Sanitation: Developing a Microcredential Pathway: Gülsün Akdemir Evrendilek, University of Maine |
| 3:50 - 4:35 p.m. | Untangling Food Hub Audits: Discussion on Shifting Industry Norms: McKenna Hayes, Food Connects, Moderator |
| 4:35 - 4:55 p.m. | Engaging Food Businesses in Preventive Controls: Lessons and Takeaways: Jill Fitzsimmons, University of Massachusetts Amherst |
Poster Session
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Poster Session and Reception with Cash Bar |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner in your own |
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Produce Safety Regulators and Educators
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. | Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Update: Inspections (OII) – Ben Marshall; Research (OAMT) – Stephen Hughes; Education/Outreach/Technical Assistance – Diane Ducharme |
| 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. | Building Knowledge and Confidence Across the PSR: Betsy Bihn, Cornell University, Moderator, Chris Obergfell, NY Department of Ag and Markets Introducing the session: Revisiting the Why: Strengthening Risk-Based Thinking Breakout Group Discussions: Where Are We Least Confident? PSR Knowledge and Training Gaps Report Out and Facilitated Discussion: Group Insights and Real-Time PSR Walkthroughs Final Reflections: Clarity Achieved and Next Steps |
| 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Agricultural Water Assessments: Donna Clements, Cornell University, Moderator Inspector Panel Discussion: Justin Grimminger, DE Department of Agriculture; Lindsay Werner, ME Department of Agriculture; Allison Luettel, MD Department of Agriculture; Jeremy Grant, WV Department of Agriculture |
| 11:30 a.m. - noon | Closing remarks in Biltmore Ballroom 17th Floor: Chris Callahan, NECAFS |
| Noon | Adjourn |
Summary of 2025 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Pittsburgh, PA
The 2025 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held in Pittsburgh, PA, January 22 & 23. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
| Session | Materials |
|---|---|
Jan. 22, 2025 Welcome and Plenary Session | NECAFS Background & History, Current Work Plan, and Connection to Past Annual Meetings and to the current work of THIS YEAR’s Annual Meeting
|
| Integrated Produce Safety Educators and Research | Expanding Horizons: Peer Learning and Innovative Approaches to Community Engagement - Panel Discussion and Group Activity
Project Showcase and Practical Learning: Hands-On with a Variety of Educational Modalities
|
| Preventive Controls for Human Food Workgroup Meeting | Preventive Controls Workgroup Activity Updates
Building a Better Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse - Preventive Controls Topic Review Activity
Shared-use Kitchen Panel: Exploring Benefits and Overcoming Challenges
FSPCA Update: Recent Developments and Initiatives
Applying Innovative Media Principles - Motivations and Methods for Educational Resource Development
From Ideas to Impact: Turning Concepts into Reality
|
Jan. 23, 2025 Integrated Produce Safety Regulatory, Educational, and Research Meeting | Risk Identification and Risk Prioritization
Conducting Agricultural Water Assessments: A Hands-On Table-top Exercise
What's Next? Awareness and Educational Planning Perspectives from the PSA
On-Farm Observational Data: Regional Produce Safety Inspections and Readiness Reviews
Observed Food Safety Practices: Prioritizing and Categorizing for Improvement Transforming Observations into Research, Education, and Compliance Strategies Break out Groups and Report Out |
| Integrated Preventive Controls for Human Food Workgroup Meeting with Educators and Regulators | Regulatory panel - food safety threats, where is enforcement being prioritized, with Q&A
Crafting a Learning Pathway: Leveraging Collaborative Insights Using the Sanitation Control Practitioner Program
Reflections, Future Planning, and Report Out
|
Summary of 2024 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Portland, ME
The 2024 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held in Portland, ME, January 23 & 24. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
Summary of 2024 NECAFS Annual Meeting Evaluation Final Report
| Session | Materials |
|---|---|
Jan. 23, 2024 Welcome and Plenary Session | NECAFS Background & History, Current Work Plan, and Connection to Past Annual Meetings and to the current work of THIS YEAR’s Annual Meeting
|
| Integrated Research and Extension for Enhanced Food Safety | Integrated Research and Extension for Enhanced Food Safety Intent: Gain clarity around why it is important to integrate research and extension and how we might do it in our region. Connecting Research and Extension
Case Study Panel: Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces in Apple Harvesting & Storage
Translating Science: Development of Educational Tools Risk-Based Decision Support Tool
Assessing Animal Intrusion and Contamination Risk Tool
The Agricultural Water Risk Management Tool
|
Jan. 24, 2024 Integrated Produce Safety Regulatory, Educational, and Research Meeting | Intent: Understand how produce safety priority research areas are determined and how can observational data be used to frame a regional research roadmap. A Look Inside Produce Safety Research Planning FDA Organization and Research Function in Produce Safety
University Researchers and How Produce Safety Research is Prioritized by Academic Scientists Review of Regional Data: Observations of On-farm Practices Overview of Regional Aggregated Northeast Inspectional Observations from 2023
On-Farm Readiness Review and CONTACT Industry Survey Results
|
| Preventive Controls for Human Food Workgroup Meeting | Processors’ Food Safety Toolkit Overview and early usage trends
Regional PCHF Course Evaluation Tool Launch of regionally developed tool to collect PCHF evaluation and processor educational needs data
Exploring Projects with Creative Approach to Implementation and Their Successes Improving the Development of Food Safety Plans through the Advanced Preventive Controls School Initiative
Development and Implementation of a Hands-on Food Safety and Regulatory Curriculum for Members of Shared-use Commercial Kitchens in Florida
Building Capacity: Customized Food Safety Educaiton and Outreach in Rhode Island
Food Safety Management and Document Development for PCHF Rule Qualified Exemption-Eligible Food Facilities
Multi-Modal Dairy Food Safety Plan Education to Support Small and Medium Dairy Producers
|
Summary of 2023 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Hartford, CT
The 2023 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held in Hartford, CT, January 18th & 19th. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
- Summary Evaluation Report for 2023 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting (PDF)
- Combined Meeting Notes (PDF)
- NE Regulator and Program Staff Meeting Agenda (PDF)
- Educators Meeting Agenda (PDF)
- Produce Safety Workgroup Meeting Agenda (PDF)
- Preventive Controls Workgroup Meeting Agenda (PDF)
All videos from the meeting are available on the NECAFS YouTube channel.
Summary of 2022 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Virtual
The 2022 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held jointly virtually, January 18th, 19th, & 20th, jointly with the Northeast Regulator One-Day Working Meeting. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
- Summary Evaluation Report for 2022 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting (PDF)
- Full Conference Agenda (PDF)SESSION VIDEO RECORDINGS
All videos from the meeting are available on the NECAFS YouTube channel.
Summary of 2021 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Virtual
The 2021 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held jointly virtually, February 16th, 17th, & 18th, jointly with the Northeast Regulator One-Day Working Meeting. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
- Summary Evaluation Report for 2021 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting (PDF)
- Full Conference Agenda (PDF)
- Combined Meeting Minutes (PDF)
- 2020 Regional Summary of PSA Grower Training Pre- and Post-Test Results
- 2020 Food Safety Resource Clearinghouse User Analytics
- List of Actively Funded Research Projects in the Northeast
- Number of Trainings in the Northeast in 2020 (PSA Grower Training, FSPCA QI Trainings, OFRR)
Summary of 2020 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Philadelphia, PA
The 2020 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held February 10-12 in Philadelphia, PA, jointly with the Northeast Region Produce Safety Workgroup. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
- Summary Evaluation Report of 2020 Annual Conference and Meeting (PDF)
- Full Conference Agenda (DOCX)
- Combined Meeting Minutes (DOCX)
All videos from the meeting are available on the NECAFS YouTube channel.
Summary of 2019 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Albany, NY
The 2019 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held February 4-6 in Albany, NY, jointly with the Northeast Region Produce Safety Workgroup. The agenda and meeting materials are provided below.
- Summary Report of 2019 Annual Conference and Meeting Evaluations (PDF)
- Overall Agenda (PDF)
- Combined Notes (PDF)
HIGHLIGHT VIDEO
Summary of 2018 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Baltimore, MD
The 2018 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held Jan. 23-25 in Baltimore, MD, held jointly with the Northeast Region Produce Safety Workgroup. Agenda for the Conference and Meeting included:
Tuesday, January 23rd
- Focused meeting day, in two parallel tracks, dedicated to:
- Produce Safety, and
- Preventive Controls for Human Food
Wednesday, January 24th
- Joint conference session:
- Keynote speaker
- Updates from each state regulatory, research and extension
- Three panel sessions featuring producers, processors and buyers.
Wednesday Evening, January 24th
- Poster session that
- Highlighted poster presentations on extension, education and outreach activities across the region
Thursday, January 25th
- NECAFS Steering Team Meeting
EVALUATION FROM 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MEETING
Attendees at the 2018 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting completed program evaluations. This evaluation asked questions about the Annual Conference and Meeting as well as overall NECAFS programming. Please download the full report here:
VIDEO FROM 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MEETING
- All videos from the meeting are available on the NECAFS YouTube channel.
Summary of 2017 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting - Boston, MA
The 2017 NECAFS Annual Conference and Meeting was held January 10, 2017 in Boston, MA. Below is a full summary report and presenations from the meeting.