The highly anticipated Produce Safety Rule, part of the Food Safety Modernization Act, will go into effect for the largest farms on Jan. 26.
Farms that make $500,000 or more in annual revenue will be the first to face the Produce Safety Rule. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Veronica Nigh said the first year under the new rule will be more about education than regulation and compliance. There has been confusion revolving around the rule, due to the many aspects of it that growers must comply with.
Although the first year under the rule will be flexible, it is still a good idea for all farms to carefully review the rule so they are prepared for the future when it is in full-force.
For small farms with $250,000 to $500,000 in annual revenue, along with very small farms with $25,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue, implementation of the Produce Safety Rule will take effect in roughly one year for the small farms, and two years for the very small farms. For now, Nigh recommends that small and very small farms watch how the larger farms deal with compliance and prepare as much as they can.
Produce Safety Alliance grower trainings are still ongoing. Find training in your area here.
For more information on the Produce Safety Rule, type “Produce Safety” into the search bar on VSCNews.com or visit the Produce Safety Alliance website.
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