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
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links to Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety (MIOFPS) resources |
Certificate and Cost Share Funds AvailableBy completing a Produce Safety Risk Assessment with the district technician, produce growers are eligible to receive a certificate and logo usage rights to showcase to buyers their efforts to grow safe food. By completing this assessment the grower is also eligible to receive cost-share dollars to help purchase new equipment, supplies, attend trainings, and anything else that will help them with their produce safety efforts.
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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)
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Benefits from working with A Produce safety technician
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