UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Richard Kralj, a Penn State Extension educator in food safety and quality based in Jefferson County, received the 2025 Northeast Region Excellence in Extension Award for an Individual. The award is presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension System’s Extension Committee on Organization and Policy.
The award recognizes extension professionals for excellence in programming, community impact and leadership. Kralj was honored for strengthening food safety from farm to consumer.
“I’m very grateful for this recognition, and I see it as a reflection of the people and communities I’ve had the privilege to work alongside,” Kralj said. “Extension is inherently a team effort.”
Kralj joined Penn State Extension in 2000 and has spent 25 years developing and delivering food safety education. He holds an associate degree in animal science from the State University of New York at Alfred, a bachelor’s degree in human foods and nutrition from Mercyhurst College, and a master’s degree in adult education from Penn State.
He serves across three food safety teams — retail and food service, produce safety under the Food Safety Modernization Act, and industrial food safety.
“His extensive knowledge and leadership have contributed significantly to expanding food safety education across Pennsylvania,” said Jeffrey Hyde, associate dean and director of Penn State Extension.
Kralj is a lead instructor for Food and Drug Administration-recognized trainings in Preventive Controls for Human and Animal Foods, a lead instructor for the Produce Safety Alliance, and a certified instructor and proctor for ServSafe, a leading food safety training program.
His programs have reached more than 10,000 participants since 2021, helping producers and processors meet regulatory requirements and protect public health.
Kralj’s work includes co-developing a virtual food handler course and leading the “Scaling Up Your Food Business” webinar series to support small-scale entrepreneurs. He also contributed to a national food safety curriculum now used across the United States and internationally.
“Food systems are changing rapidly, from increased consumer expectations and regulatory complexity to workforce challenges and emerging risks,” Kralj said. “Science-based education helps businesses adapt, prevent problems and maintain trust in the food supply.”
In addition to teaching, Kralj is active in community outreach and education. He frequently conducts workshops and seminars on home food preservation and the legal and regulatory considerations for small-scale food entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania, aiming to make complex food safety regulations accessible to a broad audience.
“Rick excels at conducting extension programming across a large region and for statewide audiences,” Hyde said. “He engages with administrative staff, colleagues, community organizations, local food inspectors, faculty in Penn State’s Department of Food Science, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture personnel.”
Kralj also advocates for inclusive outreach, including work with Plain produce growers, and internationally, where he has led training for Ukrainian faculty.
“Kralj adapts his teaching methods to meet the needs of his students,” Hyde said. “His programs consistently demonstrate improvements in food safety knowledge, behavior and regulatory compliance.”
Kralj represents Penn State Extension as a Technical Assistance Network expert for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, answering national inquiries on food safety regulations. He also has mentored several new educators.
“Rick exemplifies professionalism, work ethic and commitment to Extension’s mission,” Hyde said. “He has consistently delivered exceptional programs in person and virtually, created high-quality products, supported team activities, and fostered strong partnerships with stakeholders.”