Professional Training Courses

Learn your crucial role in the process of merchandising high-quality greenhouse produce that supports varieties, maximizes shelf life, and increases sales.

Learn the basics about root vegetables, with merchandising tips to create attractive, fresh, food-safe displays, produce department best practices, plus ideas for sales promotions. This course would be helpful for anyone working in produce at the retail level, in marketing or in supplier sales.

In this ProduceEDU course, we cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about organic but were afraid to ask. Learn what different organic words really mean, what’s behind all the related certifications, and how these terms, rules and regulations came about, and why it matters to you.

The majority of consumers polled in PMG and The Packer’s latest Sustainability Insights report indicated that reducing food waste in their life was “extremely important.” And they’re looking to retailers and food suppliers, especially in fresh produce, to help them achieve their goals. This course will explore how technology and innovation is driving change in the fight to reduce food waste.

Tom Stenzel, executive director of CEA Alliance, moderated a dynamic discussion at the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo that explored the challenges, opportunities, triumphs and takeaways in controlled environment agriculture. Watch the session to learn about this rapidly growing segment of the fresh produce industry.

The pursuit of sustainable packaging in fresh produce is a complex one — and not just for produce companies. Consumers say they want recyclable, compostable and bio-based packaging, but their purchasing habits can tell a different story. This session from the 2023 Sustainable Produce Summit will teach valuable insights into this industry-wide challenge.

Learn about one of the fastest-growing sectors of the fresh produce industry — controlled environment agriculture (CEA)! This course highlights the process of growing hydroponic tomatoes, one of the most popular crops grown in a high-tech indoor system. If you’re an established or aspiring grower, get tips on how to maximize your production and quality. For others within the fresh produce supply chain, this course will provide an understanding of the complex science behind CEA.

Successful produce merchandising requires strategy, tough calls, a general understanding of food safety and creative touch. 

Learn all the produce merchandising basics right here:

• The never-ending cycle of rotation;
• Culling;
• Freshness and Location;
• Color Breaks;
• Leveling, Stacking and Dummying;
• Fresh-cut;
• Signage;
• Cross-merchandising; and
• Sale and seasonal sections.

Course Requirements

This course consists of 9 training modules. Each module has a set of learning objectives that highlight the key takeaways of the course.

You must complete a quiz at the end of the last module and receive a grade of 70% or higher. Upon completion of this program, you will be awarded a certificate of achievement in Produce Merchandising 101 from Produce EDU, brought to you by PMG and The Packer.

How can growers begin to measure and manage fresh produce’s carbon footprint? Alison Edwards, Director of the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops, and Dr. Adam Chambers, a scientist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), explain where we’re at and give insight on the next steps to help offer science-based, data-driven tools so growers can be part of the climate solution.

Course Requirements

This course consists of 4 modules. Each module has a set of learning objectives that highlight the key takeaways of the course.

You must complete a quiz at the end of the last module and receive a grade of 70% or higher. Upon completion of this program, you will be awarded a certificate of achievement in Fresh Produce’s Carbon Footprint, brought to you by PMG and The Packer. You can retake the quiz as needed.

Success on the produce buying desk requires great communication, skillful relationship management, creative problem-solving and relentless attention to detail. Studying beforehand this compilation of situations you’re likely to encounter on the job will help you be prepared to respond when they happen. You’ll also come away with strategies that empower you to prevent issues altogether. Knowing your commodities is also essential, but thinking ahead about how to navigate surprises and stress on the desk is a key and underrated piece to being ready for the (sometimes) hot seat.

Course requirements

This course consists of 8 modules. Each module has a set of learning objectives that highlight the key takeaways of the course.

Upon completion of this program, you will be awarded a certificate of achievement in Produce Buying Fundamentals, Level 1 from Produce EDU, brought to you by PMG and The Packer.