MSU Extension Agrifood Safety

Micah Hutchison, Produce Safety Technician

Conservation District Produce Safety Technicians are here to support Michigan fresh produce growers with their on-farm produce safety needs. Technicians provide FREE, confidential education and assistance on the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule through a variety of avenues including on-farm visits, consultations, Produce Safety Risk Assessment certificates, and On-Farm Readiness Reviews.

Technicians assist growers in the identification of possible microbial risks to fresh produce and create individualized solutions to reduce the risk of microbial contamination to the fresh produce grown on farm. For growers interested in a deeper dive into on-farm food safety, Produce Safety Technicians offer the Produce Safety Risk Assessment (PSRA) Tool and Certificate program. This opportunity allows the grower and technician to evaluate on-farm processes individually and identify risk factors in different areas of on-farm operations including soil amendments, post-harvest practices, employee training and more. Together, the grower and technician create an action plan for the farm. Growers who successfully complete the PSRA are eligible for a certificate of completion to share with their buyers.

Another valuable resource, the On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRS) are an assessment tool offering FREE, confidential support to fresh produce growers. Designed to help growers feel prepared for inspections, OFRRs provide growers with a team of experts from your local Conservation District and Michigan State University Extension to observe on-farm operations and offer advice on how to meet the requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

Produce Safety Technicians are here to support all Michigan produce growers with FREE, confidential, non-regulatory support. To learn more about Produce Safety Technicians, the programs available, or to schedule an on-farm visit contact your local Conservation District or visit the Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety website miofps.org today.