News & Updates
Attention Wisconsin Produce Growers!
A Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training course will be held during the 2025 Growing Wisconsin Conference. This training course is meant for fresh fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, updated Preharvest Agricultural Water rule, co-management of natural resources and food safety. If you are a grower and your farm is currently, or will be, “covered” by the Produce Safety Rule, this course will fulfill the training requirement outlined in Section 122.22(c) of the Produce Safety Rule. Participants must be present for the entire training to receive a certificate of course completion from the Produce Safety Alliance and Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).
When: Sunday, January 26 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CST
Where: Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Register: https://cutt.ly/ieXC89UT
Questions about the PSA Grower Training course? Email safeproduce@wi.gov or call (608) 224-4511.
FDA Releases Standards Relating to the Agricultural Water Final Rule
FDA recently released standards for the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption relating to the Agricultural Water Final Rule issued under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The final rule replaces specific pre-harvest agricultural water requirements stated in the 2015 Produce Safety Rule. The update includes requirements for system-based agricultural water assessments to determine and guide suitable measures to minimize potential risks associated with pre-harvest agricultural water. Please access fact sheet and/or flow chart for more information.
Food Safety Podcast
The Food Safety Dish podcast covers all things food safety, brought to you by National Farmers Union's Local Food Safety Collaborative. They talk with farmer and expert voices on their subject specialties: sharing practical advice, wisdom, and how to incorporate good food safety practices into your own growing operation.
For more information: The Food Safety Dish.
North Central Regional Buyers Handbook Press Release and Fact Sheet
Just published! The Produce Safety Handbook for Buyers is an online guide for produce buyers that clarifies the complex landscape of food safety regulations and standards across states. This tool helps buyers navigate each state's produce safety audit and inspection information through an interactive glossary of terms, charts, and tables.