Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program
Specialty Crop Producers who wish to sell their raw agricultural commodities may find food safety certification will allow for new market opportunities. Additionally, the food safety programs allow you to become more aware and take action to provide safer food.
During a one hour webinar on Aug. 25, 2022 FSA Program Specialist Donita Garry went over the new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program, and Rhoda Burrows with SDSU Extension gave an overview of FSMA and GAP certification.
For the 2022 year, participants must register for FSCSC by Jan. 31, 2023, and there will also be a second round in 2023. Those who are beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers or veteran farmers are especially encouraged to apply.
FSCSC will cover the cost of obtaining and recertifying food safety certification, including fees that were after June 21, 2022. Payment percentages are about 75% for historically underserved applicants, and 50% for all other applicants. There are maximum amounts in all categories, including development of the plan, maintaining the plan, the certification, fees to upload, training, and testing of soil, water and products. More details on this program can be found on this fact sheet.
Rhoda Burrows, SDSU Extension, went into more details on specific food safety programs.
Two common programs are FSMA (which is under FDA), and GAP (which is under USDA). FSMA is the law for those with produce sales over $29,245/year and does not have an inspection cost to producers, while GAP is buyer-driven, with a focus on having someone review your practices to certify your operation.
FSMA regulations do not cover produce, such as potatoes, that are generally not consumed raw, while GAP covers all produce on a farm. These two programs have different uses and costs, and are both applicable for assistance from FSCSC. For more help on developing a farm food safety plan, a suggested resource is https://onfarmfoodsafety.org.
A recording of the webinar can be viewed on the SDSPA Youtube page.