Michigan is the only state with a Produce Saftey Technician program dedicated to providing on-farm technical education for fresh produce farmers. These Produce Safety Technicians are housed within Michigan Conservation Districts and are dedicated to providing on-farm technical assistance for produce growers. The On-Farm Produce Safety Program aims to help producers implement best practices, navigate what on-farm food safety looks like for their operation, and ensure they are in compliance with the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) (housed within the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA)). All services provided by the technician are free, voluntary, confidential, and non-regulatory. This assistance can come in a variety of ways, depending on the goals of farmers:
The Produce Safety Risk Assessment & On-Farm Technical Assistance
A key part of the Produce Safety Technician’s role is conducting an on-farm Produce Safety Risk Assessment (PSRA), which are available to any operation with produce, including mixed commodity farms. Similar to the MAEAP program, the PSRA process involves:
1. Evaluation:
The Produce Safety Technican will walk around your farm with you. They will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to meet program standards and your own food safety goals. Some elements of your operation that the technician might look at include:
- Water (irrigation and post-harvest)
- Soil Amendments
- Cleaning and Sanitation
- Wildlife Management
- Worker Hygiene and Training
- Food Safety Plans
2. Implementation:
If you choose to complete your Produce Safety Risk Assessment, the next step is to mitigate high risk practices (if there are any!). You can complete these next steps at your own pace, and solutions are customized to fit and work for your operation. Our Produce Safety technician is here to help you every step of the way and can direct you to additional resources, if desired.
3. Produce Safety Certification:
Receiving a Produce Safety Certification is a voluntary next step of the PSRA process and requires a little bit of additional work from the producer. Once any action steps identified from the PSRA are complete, growers also have to create a documented Food Safety Plan. The technician is available for any and all assistance in developing your operation’s food safety plan. A Food Safety Plan is tailored for each operation and aims to organize and prepare growers for other food safety regulations, buyer requirements, and questions. Such plans have, but are not limited to, elements relating to:
- General farm information and description, including farm maps, policies, training records, water test results, traceability, and recall plans.
- Risk assessment of practices and environmental conditions on farm that affect food safety.
- Practices and actions that reduce food safety risks.
- Required Records and other records to document farm practices.
After these steps, the Produce Safety Technician will contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and will deliver a Produce Safety Certificate signed by the Director of MDARD, as well as information to use the Produce Safety Certified logo and marketing materials. The certificate serves as a recognition of the efforts and safety practices of the farmer’s operation and staff, and enables farms to use the MI Certified Produce Safety logo at points of sale, on merchandise, and in the future, on-farm (like MAEAP!).
Pictured to the right: Blandford Nature Center Farm receiving their Produce Safety Certificate with from our Produce Safety Technician, Morgan Anderson!
On Farm Readiness Reviews
On Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs) are an opportunity for growers to walk through their operation and discuss how to meet Produce Safety Rule requirements. On this farm visit, Produce Saftey Technicians and MSU Extension Educators use an “Inspectors lens” to leave growers feeling more relaxed, prepared, and confident for a FSMA Produce Safety inspection and implementation. Check out what a hand washing station should look like pictured to the left.
Sign up for your On Farm Readiness Review Here.
Cost share
Cost-share is a new resource for the Produce Safety Program, and our technician is excited to offer and utilize cost-share opportunities for growers. Produce safety practices eligible for cost-share include but are not limited to: hand washing stations, pH test strips, water testing costs, etc.
More Information
Check out more Produce Safety resources, services, and programs at the MI On Farm Produce Safety website.
Other than the PSRA, Certification process, and On-Farm Readiness Review, the Produce Saftey Technician is available for any general and specific on-farm technical questions and assistance. For any level of produce safety needs or questions, they are a resource available to you!
Contact Morgan Anderson at (616)842-5852 Ext. 5 OR morgan.anderson@macd.org to set up your farm visit today!