What is Michigan on-farm produce safety?

The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety program was developed as a statewide effort to proactively minimize contamination risks to raw, fresh produce by working alongside farmers to reduce risks in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act's Produce Safety Rule. In a collaborative effort, three state-wide organizations work together to further produce safety goals: MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, and Conservation Districts (Produce Safety Technicians).

The Newaygo Conservation District houses one of six technicians in the state through grant funds administered by MDARD. Technicians provide voluntary, confidential, and free services to growers who grow, pack, process, or sell fresh produce regardless of farm size or income.

​Allissa Conley is our Produce Safety Technician and she primarily services Newaygo, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Lake counties, but travels to 8 more counties East if assistance is needed. If you need more information on the Produce Safety Rule or the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) you can contact her at
  • email: allissa.conley@macd.org
  • phone: 989-295-5661.

links to Michigan on-farm produce safety (MIOFPS) resources

PSA Grower Training Season is Here, Cost Share Funds Available

The PSA Grower Training Course is one way for fresh fruit and vegetable growers to satisfy the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in §112.22(c) that requires, ‘At least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.
Cost share dollars are offered through conservation district Produce Safety Technicians and can be used to help pay for this course. Contact our Produce Safety Technician Allissa Conley at allissa.conley@macd.org or 989-295-5661 for more information.

IN-PERSON TRAININGS (www.canr.msu.edu/agrifood_safety/psa-training)

 Zoom (virtual) trainings

Produce safety Information

Food Safety Modernization act: Produce safety rule
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Rule (PSR) focus on preventing food safety risks and foodborne illnesses instead of reacting to problems after they occur. Depending on size, commodities grown, and buyer demographics, some farms in Michigan may be covered by the PSR and subject to regulatory inspections. Visit the following link to determine if you are covered by the PSR: www.canr.msu.edu/resources/am-i-covered

​
what does a produce safety technician do
All services offered by technicians are free, voluntary, non-regulatory, and confidential. Technicians work with farmers to address produce safety needs and achieve goals in personalized ways that work for them and their operation.

Technicians offer resources to assess your current practices and improve on-farm produce safety through the following ways:
• Produce Safety Risk Assessment (PSRA)
  • The PSRA is a voluntary program designed to educate fresh fruit and vegetable producers about food safety and to recognize those who implement produce safety management practices. Producers who successfully complete the assessment and on-site farm review receive certificates of completion that they can share with their consumers and buyers.
  • Technicians can identify areas of improvement on your farm, provide you with relevant resources, and help you develop an action plan.
• On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR)
  • On-Farm Readiness Reviews are designed to help fresh produce growers feel prepared and ready for a full implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). They allow growers to walk through their operation with a small team of food-safety experts and discuss how to meet the new FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements.​
• On-Farm Technical Assistance
  • produce safety plan development 
  • water testing
  • training protocols
  • record keeping
Benefits from working with A Produce safety technician
  • Market with the Participating Farm logo awarded to growers following best produce safety practices.
  • Prepare for regulatory MDARD inspections if your farm is covered under the Produce Safety Rule
  • Prepare for food safety programs and marketing audits, like GAP and PRIMUS.
  • Grow, distribute, and provide safe produce for you and your community.
  • Get organized with a well-developed produce safety plan and record-keeping system.
  • Develop worker and supervisor training to ensure best health and hygiene practices are implemented.
  • Reduce potential risks of microbial contaminants in fresh produce.

More resources

Newaygo Conservation District (NCD) is an independent unit of state government which has a philosophy and commitment to the stewardship and conservation of the environment.  The NCD consults with landowners to educate them in the planning and use of their land.  All programs and services are available without regard to race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, family status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, because of all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.
Proudly powered by Weebly