As we step into another new year, it’s the perfect time to reaffirm your farm’s commitment to food safety. Regardless of your farm’s "covered" status under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, produce safety is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a pledge to protect public health and foster consumer trust.
Whether your farm is classified as “covered” under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule or not, implementing on-farm food safety practices benefits growers far beyond the primary goal of preventing foodborne illness.
The FSMA Produce Safety Rule establishes minimum standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fresh produce, all with the aim of reducing microbial contamination risks. While the rule uses terms like “covered,” “not covered,” and “Qualified Exempt” to classify farms, these classifications can sometimes be misleading. While certain farms may not fall under the FSMA regulation, many still have to comply with local and state regulations. It’s important to understand that all farms, regardless of size or classification, have a shared responsibility to implement safe practices that protect public health.
Being “not covered” under specific provisions of the rule does not mean food safety can be ignored. Basic practices such as proper sanitation, safe water use, risk management, and contamination prevention are essential—not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to maintain the quality of your produce and the trust of your customers.
Adopting food safety practices delivers benefits beyond compliance. Many of the FSMA’s minimum standards can improve other aspects of your farm's operations. For example, establishing recordkeeping and monitoring programs can serve as valuable tools for assessing and improving your farm’s overall business health. Adding animal deterrents and sanitizers to your practices can help reduce crop losses and extend the freshness of certain produce.
In the long term, regardless of your farm’s classification under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, embracing on-farm food safety practices can build consumer confidence, enhance marketability, and protect your farm’s reputation and profitability. Food safety is not just a regulatory matter, it’s an integral part of a sustainable and thriving farming operation.
As we enter 2025, let’s resolve to grow produce that is not only fresh and delicious but also safe for everyone to enjoy. Food safety isn’t just a requirement; it’s a responsibility we all share in creating a healthier, more reliable food system for the future.
For growers interested in On-Site Technical Assistance, Produce Safety Risk Assessments, and On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs), Produce Safety Technicians are available to support you. Visit miofps.org for more information.
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Article by Micah Hutchison, Produce Safety Technician