A practical, produce-specific approach to identifying true root causes, prioritizing risk, and documenting defensible food safety decisions.
Root Cause Analysis → Risk Assessment
70% passing threshold with trainer review
Personalized support throughout your journey
Complete at your own pace within the cohort period
~20 hours of professional development
Unlike generic RCA tools, RAW is built specifically for fresh produce systems and real agricultural conditions.
Learn systematic approaches to uncover the true root causes of food safety incidents in produce systems.
Apply evidence-based frameworks specifically designed for fresh produce and agricultural environments.
Create defensible documentation that supports regulatory compliance and audits.
Build resilient food safety systems through defensible decision-making and documentation practices.
Participants learn to apply these skills in real-world produce safety scenarios
Cohorts open six times per year. Choose the date that works best for your schedule.
2026
July 5
Cohort Start Date
2026
September 5
Cohort Start Date
2026
November 5
Cohort Start Date
2027
January 5
Cohort Start Date
2027
March 5
Cohort Start Date
2027
May 5
Cohort Start Date
60 days from cohort start date. Complete the program at your own pace within this timeframe.
Self-paced modules with scheduled trainer interactions. Balance learning with your work schedule.
Developed in collaboration with leading organizations in food safety, agriculture, and regulatory compliance.
A structured, produce-specific framework developed through industry collaboration
To provide a structured, produce-specific framework for Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessment that strengthens food safety decision-making across fresh produce systems.
Developed through collaboration within the Healthy People 2030 RCA Subgroup and led by Colorado State University.
Colorado State University owns the RAW Workshop platform and course materials. Partner organizations provide subject-matter input, alignment guidance, and program collaboration.
A comprehensive two-section program covering Root Cause Analysis and Risk Assessment
Chapters 1-7
Produce safety foundations Regulatory and outbreak context Hazard identification and contamination routes Environmental and field risk drivers RCA tools and documentation framework Applied case + Exercise 1 submission Chapters 8-10
Commodity-specific risk drivers Equipment and input amplifiers RA framework + Exercise 2 submission 
Certificate includes: participant name, course title, completion date, ~20 hours, and CSU signature. Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to be determined.
RAW is designed for food safety professionals across the fresh produce industry.
Perfect for those managing food safety programs in agricultural operations and fresh produce facilities.
Designed to support regulatory professionals enforcing food safety standards and best practices.
Ideal for educators and extension agents providing food safety guidance to the industry.
Open to participants worldwide seeking to strengthen their food safety expertise.
English (Available Now)
Spanish (Coming 2027)