Michigan State University Extension has a free service to produce growers to achieve their food safety goals.
While the Food Safety Modernization Act has been in place for a decade, the On-Farm Readiness Review Program serves as a capstone for FSMA trainings.
“That’s a chance for growers to have members of our team from MSU and the conservation districts to come out to the farm and actually help them apply what they learned at the trainings,” Heather Borden, FSMA produce safety logistics coordinator.
The Produce Safety Training is a requirement from the FDA and USDA. However, the On-Farm Readiness Review is not required, but it is highly recommended.
“That’s where the rubber meats the road and they can see what those laws mean to them at their own operation,” says Borden. “We’re talking about reducing microbial risks, making sure that the water you use in your production activities is safe, the buckets you harvest into or whatever equipment you’re using is properly cleaned and sanitized. We’re trying to reduce the ability for microbes—and things that would make people sick—to be transferred onto the food.”
Borden says there’s one main reason why producers should take part in this program.
“Our Michigan farmers work so hard, and I know they care about the customers they provide for because anybody who’s growing food definitely cares about other people,” she says. “To help them make sure that the food they provide is safe and to make sure they’re not putting themselves at risk.”
To register to be part of the On-Farm Readiness Review, click here.
