The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is a major overhaul of the Nation’s food safety practices. This rule is administered by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and includes mandatory regulations for farms that grow, harvest, pack, and hold produce.
The Iowa Produce Safety Program is a joint effort between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Iowa Statue University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO). The Iowa Produce Safety Program was established as part of a grant agreement with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The goal of this program is to provide education, outreach, and technical assistance on the Produce Safety Rule to Iowa’s fruit and vegetable growers.
Does the Produce Safety Rule apply to my farm?
Many fruit and vegetable farms in Iowa may be fully or partially exempt from these regulations based on how much food and produce they sell, and to who. To help understand how your farm may be covered or exempt under the Produce Safety Rule, complete the annual Iowa Produce Safety Survey. This document provides an overview of exemption and coverage under the Produce Safety Rule.
How can I better understand the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule?
Grower Training
This day-long course help fruit and vegetable farms better understand the regulations of the Produce Safety Rule and how it applies to their farm. This course meets the training requirement for fully covered farms under the rule. Upcoming grower trainings are listed below, and you may register here.
Contact us
If you have additional questions, reach out to one of our IDALS Produce Safety Program staff.
John Krzton-Presson, Program Planner
John.krzton-presson@iowaagriculture.gov
515-725-1179
Additional resources
ISU Extension and Outreach, Produce Safety
FDA FSMA Website
FDA Produce Safety Rule Website
FDA Compliance Category Flowchart for Farms