News & Updates
Grower Training Available January 18!
The Safe Wisconsin Produce team will be providing grower training on Sunday, January 18, 2025, at the Kalahari Resort (1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI) as part of the Growing Wisconsin Conference. This course is free to attend and includes a PSA Grower Training Manual. This is a voluntary training for exempt farms but a required training for those covered by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. There is a $35 processing fee for the PSA/AFDO Certificate of Course Completion for anyone interested or in need of proof of training.
The training is recognized by the FDA as one way to satisfy the training requirement of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, outlined in provision 112.22(c) that requires "At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration. Register today!
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.