The Produce Safety Risk Assessment Program
The VBCD recognizes the importance of local food and appreciates the remarkable variety of produce grown right here in southwest Michigan! In an effort to help promote locally grown produce, we are partnering with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, Produce Safety Alliance, and Berrien Conservation District to offer assistance with a Produce Safety Program that covers new federal produce safety regulations.
This free and voluntary program will give local growers the opportunity to have their questions answered and learn the best methods to protect both their families and their customers. The program provides technical support to assist with the implementation of safe growing and harvesting practices on produce farms in Allegan, Berrien, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and other counties throughout the State. This includes education, on-farm technical assistance, and coordination with local, state and federal agency resources to help produce growers reduce risks and make progress towards meeting the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) – Produce Safety Rule requirements.
This program is for any produce grower; whether you have a tiny hoop house of herbs or many acres of grapes. Produce safety doesn’t need to be complicated, we want to make it as straightforward as possible!
Please contact our Produce Safety Technician, (position is current vacant) at 269-471-9111 x 3052.
- Berrien Conservation District’s Produce Safety Webpage
- Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Brochure
Videos:
On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) & Produce Safety Technical Assistance
Educational Opportunities:
PSA Grower Trainings Winter 2019/Spring 2020
Other Resources:
- Conservation District Produce Safety Technician Coverage Map
- OnFarm Readiness Review
- Michigan’s Produce Safety Risk Assessment Booklet
- The ‘Musts’ of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule
- Records Required by FSMA-PSR
- Helpful Record Keeping Templates from FamilyFarmed
- Produce Safety Alliance_Cornell Cals
Additional information can be found on Partners websites:
