Alabama specialty crop producers are reminded about a food safety reimbursement program made available through a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries.
Food safety certification, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices, is a voluntary audit used to verify produce is grown, harvested, packed, handled and stored in a way that minimizes risk to microbial food safety hazards.
Alabama farmers who complete a food safety audit successfully in 2026 may be reimbursed for 75% of eligible costs, up to $800.
For those farmers who have additional questions or need more information, contact Meredith Casey at 334-546-7457 or by email at Meredith.casey@agi.alabama.gov.
To participate, producers must contact Program Coordinator Meredith Casey to request an application for reimbursement; register as a vendor in AlabamaBuys; and submit a copy of the audit bill, score sheet and documentation of the payment.