New GROW food safety course released
We’ve launched a new Food Safety Level 3 course on our award-winning e-learning platform today (October 6, 2025).
It’s the 98th course to be added to our Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) and it’s available to both our members and those of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
Legal requirement
GROW’s Instructional Designer, Antony Snow says: “Food safety is not only essential, but it’s a legal requirement for any food handling business, so I’m delighted to be able to offer this course to our members, which complements our Food Safety Level 1 and Level 2 courses that are available currently.
“Designed for supervisors, managers and those with a responsibility for overseeing food safety in the workplace, this comprehensive course provides learners with an in-depth knowledge of food safety management, legislation and effective supervisory skills.
Bite-sized modules
“The course content is broken down into 11 bite-sized modules that use a blend of theory and practical application that will allow our members’ employees to develop the competence needed to maintain high standards, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard themselves and their customers.”
There are currently 98 courses and more than 12,000 GROW users across the UK.
What is GROW?
The platform was originally devised during a strategy meeting of our executive committee to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.
It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement.
GROW provides an extensive set of important courses on subject matter designed to help staff successfully assist customers and colleagues as needed.
Range of topics
These include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.
All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within our organisation.
Our Chief Executive, Peter Burks adds: “GROW is a valuable and budget-friendly resource for staff training and personal development, and it’s consistently praised by our members. With round-the-clock access, every day of the year, it’s perfectly suited for garden centre team members to learn at their own pace and convenience.”
How to find out more
Interested in discovering more about GROW, this course, or the other 97 available through our user-friendly online platform? Please visit our dedicated webpage.
You can also contact Antony by emailing grow@gca.org.uk. The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers and, for an additional cost of just £49 +VAT per licence or learner, it offers outstanding value for money.