The comment period for both the Produce Safety Rule and the Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule has been extended until November 22, 2013. To review these rules and to comment please click on their titles above.
Marketing for Profit: Tools for Success
This webinar series for farmers and educators is supported by USDA NE SARE and runs November 2013 through February 2014.
Designed with the assistance of regional and national marketing experts to provide critical marketing insights for farmers and farm markets throughout the northeast, the webinars are free, approximately an hour and a half long, and easy to access with a basic internet connection. This winter, 6 webinars will be held and interested participants are encouraged to register.
For more information and to register go to:
http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/ work-shop-programs/online-marketing-for-profit-course.html?massmail=122
Sponsors: The Farmers Market Federation of NY and the NY Farm Viability Institute in partnership with USDA Northeast SARE
USDA-NRCS Program Application Date Extended
State Conservationist Carrie Mosley has extended the application period for two conservation programs to November 15th. All applications received for Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by November 15 will be ranked and funds allocated after the new deadline. [Read more…]
Food Safety Workshops 2013-2014
Seven food safety workshops will be presented from December 2013 through February 2014.
TOPICS:
- Harmonized Food Safety Standards
- How to develop a food safety plan for your operation
- Produce sampling results from 2013
- Risk Assessment
- Writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
FSMA Produce Rules Comment Deadline: November 15
New Jersey farmers are urged to send in comments by November 15th regarding the Proposed Produce Safety Rule and the Proposed Preventive Controls Rule. It is expected that about 20% of New Jersey farms will be expected to comply with the Produce Safety Rule. Several components of this rule have the potential to impact the financial stability of non-exempted farms and limit the growth of exempted farms.
At the Food Safety Modernization Act meeting held at the EcoComplex on Tuesday October 22nd growers expressed their concerns to FDA representatives. The most concerning portions of the rules are:
PRODUCE SAFETY RULE
Agricultural Water Testing Requirements – Subpart E
- Municipal water – You must have a copy of the municipal water testing certificate on hand
- Well water – At the beginning of the season and every three months during production
- Surface water (pond, stream, etc) – Every 7 days during production
- Surface water (well water pumped into a pond) – Once a month if there is no potential for contamination
Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin – Subpart F
- Raw manure applications – 9 month wait time from application to harvest of crop
- Purchased soil amendments – Must have a certificate of conformance from producer of product
- Compost – 0 – 45 day wait time from application to harvest of crop based on composting methods used
FDA Publishes Resorces for Produce Growers
The FDA has released a fact sheet with multiple resources for produce growers regarding the Food Safety Modernization Act. Included resources are:
- Produce rule
- Preventive controls rule
- Key issues (agricultural water, biological soil amendments etc.)
- Backround information on FSMA
- FDA videos and presentations
For more information click on the highlighted “fact sheet” words above.