Berrien County
Conservation District
Produce Safety
The new Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Technician website is now live! Visit for more information about the program, additional produce safety resources, and to stay updated on any produce safety related events throughout Michigan.
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 Safety Technician
A produce safety technician offers:
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Produce Safety Risk Assessments
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On-Farm Readiness Review
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Educational help with record keeping
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Educational help with FMSA Produce Safety Rule Compliance
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On-farm technical assistance with FSMA Produce Safety Rule Compliance
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Steps to be in compliance with the new FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
The Berrien Conservation District has a Produce Safety Technician that 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.
The technician services Allegan, Berrien, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties. Other surrounding counties available upon request.
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!
Monitoring for Bird Nesting
We prioritize product safety and environmental stewardship. Our produce safety technician, Patrick, provides expert guidance on monitoring for bird nesting. His article outlines proactive measures to protect crops while preserving local wildlife habitats. For insights into our sustainable agricultural practices, read Patrick's full article here.