Mobile Poultry Processing Unit (MPPU) Training Program
Background and Need for the MPPU
If you are interested in using the MPPU on your farm, regulatory agencies require that producers attend a food safety and MPPU operations training to be eligible for a state slaughter license to sell birds direct to consumers. The training requirement will prepare you to complete the application for a special state slaughter license, to approach your local board of health for appropriate approvals, and to operate and manage the MPPU on your farm for direct commercial sale to consumers. In addition to the required training, you are strongly encouraged to volunteer or apprentice
on the MPPU with an experienced user before your first scheduled use of the MPPU. Support for this training is provided through a grant from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.
In 2009, there will be two trainings offered:
Spring Training and Field Day
Friday, May 29, 2009
9:30 – 4:30pm
Location: the New England Small Farm Institute in Belchertown, MA.
Cost: $35 registration fee includes lunch and resource materials.
The training will be divided into both classroom and practical skills components. The morning classroom training will cover information on: federal, state, and local poultry processing regulations; sanitation and food safety procedures; solid waste and wastewater regulations; certification of flock health; the MDPH slaughter license application process; equipment needed for appropriate processing; humane processing steps; fees and transport requirements for unit rental; and preparing for the first MPPU use on your farm. The afternoon practical skills training will cover: pre-MPPU arrival procedures; positioning and connecting MPPU equipment; pre-process sanitation; HACCP plan record-keeping requirements; processing poultry demonstration (farmers will be practicing hands-on processing skills); solid waste management; packaging and labeling; post-MPPU sanitation and record-keeping.
To participate in the training, please complete the registration form (pdf) and return to the New Entry Lowell office by mail, fax, or email to: nesfp@tufts.edu
Fall Training and Field Day
To be scheduled – please check back or email nesfp@tufts.edu to receive notification of upcoming trainings. The basic information and practical skills sessions will be covered similar to the spring training; this session will also include processing of turkeys for fall markets.
Handbook for Small-Scale Poultry Producer-Processors
New Entry prepared a Handbook for Small-Scale Poultry Producer-Processors (pdf) that describes how to apply for licensure to process poultry using a Massachusetts-inspected MPPU. Producers are encouraged to use the guide to understand basic requirements for MPPU use and licensure. The guide contains:
- Overview of Mass regulations regarding poultry processing
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Step-by-Step guidance on completing the Mass Slaughter License application
- What to expect after completing the application
- Regulatory Resources
For questions or clarification about the Handbook, please contact Jennifer Hashley at 617-636-3793 or by email at: jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu.