Produce Safety
Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety is a collaborative effort to promote safe and sustainable produce production practices across the state. By providing education, training, and resources to farmers, we aim to minimize the risk of produce contamination and protect public health. Fresh produce is a vital part of a healthy diet, and our work helps ensure that Michigan's farms continue to produce safe, high-quality fruits and vegetables for consumers to enjoy. By prioritizing produce safety, we support the long-term success of Michigan's agricultural industry and contribute to a healthier community.
Get Personalized Support for Your Farm
Working with a Produce Safety Technician through the Berrien County Conservation District can help you take your produce safety to the next level. This free, voluntary, and confidential service is available to farms of all sizes. A Produce Safety Technician will work closely with you to identify areas for improvement and provide technical assistance to enhance your farm's produce safety practices. By partnering with us, you can ensure a safer and more sustainable produce operation, protecting both your business and public health.
A produce safety technician offers:
Produce Safety Risk Assessments
On-Farm Readiness Review
Educational help with record keeping
Educational help with FMSA Produce Safety Rule Compliance
On-farm technical assistance with FSMA Produce Safety Rule Compliance
Steps to be in compliance with the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
The Berrien Conservation District has a Produce Safety Technician who is available to work with produce growers on all aspects of produce safety and compliance questions regarding FSMA. The technician is here to be an educational tool and works closely with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, and the Produce Safety Alliance to help bring awareness to what is required by the FDA for produce growers.
Our technician services Allegan, Berrien, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties. Other surrounding counties are available upon request.
The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course is a standardized curriculum that covers a wide range of information on produce safety, including a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule requirements. It is recognized by FDA as one way to satisfy the training requirement of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, written in provision 112.22(c).
All trainings are conducted by MSU Extension educators and Produce Safety Technicians who meet the training requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, and a Produce Safety Alliance lead trainer is present at all events.
Individuals who attend the entire training will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), which verifies they have completed the course.
Produce Bites Podcast
Check out this episode of the Produce Bites Podcast featuring our Produce Safety Technician, Patrick Gordon, Southeast Michigan's Produce Safety Technician, Micah Hutchinson, and Rennhack Orchards Jeramiah Palmer discussing how Produce Safety Technicians can help you!