On-Farm Food Safety Section

Keep up with the latest news on this dynamic topic that impacts growers on multiple levels. Developing a farm food safety plan is a good idea for all growers, and may be required as part of food safety audits if you sell to certain buyers.

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January 17, 2024

Have A Say in Field Equipment Sanitation Research!

In an initiative to guide future solution and resources, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) has designed the Sanitation of Agricultural Field Equipment Questionnaire to begin the research process centered around field equipment sanitation.

The research will develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with field equipment sanitation and work toward developing solutions that are effective, implementable and sustainable.

To introduce the survey and forthcoming research effort, Dr. Matt Grieshop Director at The Grimm Family Center for Organic Production and Research College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo says,

“We are a group of agricultural research and extension professionals from across the United States that are curious about grower and agricultural professional perceptions about the importance of field equipment sanitation to mitigate the spread of organisms that pose human health, weed, plant pathogen or other risks.

Agricultural field equipment includes tillage implements, tractors, harvesters, cultivation equipment, trucks, trailers, sprayers, mowers, or any other piece of equipment that is shared across fields.

This information will be solely used to help frame future research questions and outreach activities.  It will not be published or distributed in any form. Answering should take 5 minutes or less and is completely voluntary and anonymous.

If you have questions, comments or concerns contact Dr. Matt Grieshop at mgriesho@calpoly.edu

Thank you for sharing your experience. We truly appreciate the gift of your time and knowledge.”

Your participation is invaluable to future developments in the industry regarding food safety and equipment sanitation.

To contribute, visit here.

For any questions regarding this project, contact Thierry Besancon at thierry.besancon@rutgers.edu.

——

Thierry E. Besançon, PhD

Associate Professor / Extension Weed Science Specialist

 

Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , , ,
January 5, 2024

Register Today for February 6-8, NJ Ag Convention, Educational Events, & Trade Show

SO MANY NEW OFFERINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2024:

The 2024 NJ Ag Convention and Trade Show will be held Tuesday to Thursday, February 6-8 at Harrah’s Resort and Waterfront Conference Center 777 Harrah’s Blvd. in Atlantic City, NJ. Registration is required. The 3-day registration and VGANJ membership cost of $150 per farm for 2 persons and $25 for each additional person with your business. There is also a $75 per person daily entry fee option if you are not attending all 3 days and do not wish to be a member. All who register are welcome to attend this diverse and informative annual event. The convention is a cooperative effort with the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ, the NJ Department of Agriculture, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Rutgers Cooperative Extension worked with VGANJ and others to bring new educational events, activities, and offerings to the 2024 convention.

Some new and interesting events for 2024 for registered participants:

1. Tuesday mid-day “Lunch and Learn” trade show vendors presentations and free lunch for the first 50 people who sign up and obtain a ticket for this extra event at the registration booth on Tuesday morning. This event is sponsored by the exhibitors. Come see what exhibitors have to offer and find out what is new from industry.

2. Tuesday evening social and happy hour featuring a charity auction benefiting Shriners Hospital for Children with items to bid on from convention sponsors and trades show exhibitors. 

3. Free skin screenings on Wednesday, February 7th from 9AM to 3PM with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ. Space is limited and you must sign up in advance. To sign up see registration form and link: https://screennj.gomohealth.care/patient/enroll/

4. The New Jersey Farm Bureau Womens Leadership Committee is sponsoring a Wednesday afternoon workshop featuring guest speaker, Lorenda Oberman, American Farm Bureau Federation Womens Committee and a panel of NJ Farm Women Leaders.

5. A Thursday, All-Day On-Farm Food Safety Training. The cost is $50/per person, separate from the registration fee to the Convention and Trade Show. For more information, contact Brandi at (856) 451-2800 ext. 1. For online registration and more information see: https://go.rutgers.edu/mhqc3m5u

6. A Thursday, 1/2 day Worker Protections Standards Respiratory Protection Training, Fit Testing and Record Keeping Workshop. Space is limited to 30 participants and is a separate sign up for registered participants to the convention – so sign up soon. For more information and to register see: https://go.rutgers.edu/pesticideworkshop

For more information about the entire convention for registration, hotel, and educational events schedule see https://vganj.com/convention. Discounted room rates through the VGANJ Convention room block are available until January 29, 2024. See the VGANJ website for details. To sign up for tickets to the NJ Agricultural Society Luncheon on Wednesday or to get tickets for the Wednesday night awards banquet see: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/hottopics/approved/topics231208.html

Filed Under: Blueberry, Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Cranberry, Disease Forecasting, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, pesticide credits, Plant Diagnostic Lab, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Turf, Uncategorized, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , ,
January 4, 2024

Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crop (FSCSC) Cost Share Program

The FSCSC application period for calendar year 2023 runs from February 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024.  Eligible specialty crop operations can apply for FSCSC by working directly with the Farm Service Agency offices at your local FSA office for details. Applications will be accepted via mail, fax, hand delivery, or electronic means.

How the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program Works

The FSCSC program provides financial assistance for specialty crop operations that incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar year 2023. This program helps offset costs to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements.   FSCSC will cover a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a percentage of their related expenses.

Program Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for FSCSC applicants are outlined below. We recommend you review these requirements before initiating your FSCSC application.

To be eligible for FSCSC, an applicant must:

  • Have obtained or renewed a:
  • 2023 food safety certification issued during the 2023 calendar year,
  • Have paid eligible expenses. Expenses that have been incurred by the applicant, but have not yet been paid, will not be eligible.
  • Be a specialty crop operation; and meet the definition of a small business or very small business.
  • A small (farm) business means an applicant that had an average annual monetary value of specialty crops the applicant sold during the 3-year period preceding the program year of more than $250,000 but not more than $500,000.
  • A very small (farm) business means an applicant that had an average annual monetary value of specialty crops the applicant sold during the 3-year period preceding the program year of no more than $250,000.

Eligible Expenses Categories

Developing a Food Safety Plan for First Time Food Safety Certification

Maintaining or Updating a Food Safety Plan

Food Safety Certification

Certification Upload Fees

Microbiological Testing for Produce, Soil Amendments and Water

Training Expenses

FSCSC payments are calculated separately for each category of eligible costs based on the percentages and maximum payment amounts.  Applicants must report any previous cost share assistance received for the expenses included on their application.  Details about payment rates and limitations can be found at farmers.gov/food-safety.

You are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency office about FSCSC, program eligibility, or the application process. You may also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to provide one-on-one assistance.

 

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
December 6, 2023 and

FDA Releases New Tools for the Food Traceability Rule Under Food Safety Modernization Act

On November 30 the Food and Drug Administration rolled out new tools and FAQs that will continue to inform stakeholders about the Food Traceability Rule and help covered entities come into compliance.  The rule is a key component of Section 204(d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This final rule was issued in November 2022 and will cover most growers who sell fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Food Traceability Rule is designed to facilitate faster identification and rapid removal of potentially contaminated food from the market, resulting in fewer foodborne illnesses and deaths. Foods subject to the final rule’s requirements appear on the Food Traceability List (FTL).

Featured in this update are the following:

  • New webpage about traceability lot codes, including examples of how Key Data Elements (KDEs) could appear on invoices and bills of lading.
  • Video highlighting some technological components of product tracing systems.
  • Examples of a traceability plan
  • New Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • New supply chain examples for deli salads
  • Information on how to apply for a waiver or exemption, if eligible

These featured tools are accessible from the FDA’s traceability webpage, along with:

  • Supply chain examples for different commodities
  • Fact sheets
  • Guide to Getting Started with the Food Traceability Rule
  • Translations of the codified portion of the rule as well as many of the supporting materials and tools
  • Interactive tool that explains Critical Tracking Events and Key Data Elements
  • Interactive tool that identifies partial and full exemptions to the rule
  • FAQs

The compliance date for all persons subject to the Food Traceability Rule is January 20, 2026. In September, FDA announced that routine inspections under the Food Traceability Rule will not begin until 2027, to give covered entities additional time to work together and ensure that traceability information is being maintained and shared within supply chains per the requirements of the rule.

Filed Under: Commercial Ag Updates, Food Safety, Fruit, Vegetable Crops
November 8, 2023

2024 New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show

NJ Vegetables Growers Association logoRutgers NJAES

The 2024 Annual New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show will be held Tuesday to Thursday, February 6-8 at Harrah’s Resort and Waterfront Conference Center 777 Harrah’s Blvd. in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The convention is hosted in cooperation with the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ, the NJ Department of Agriculture, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. The VGANJ is working with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and others to bring new offerings to the 2024 convention. Look for new activities in the trade show area, new vendors and traditional vendors from the past, and new participation from the Garden State Wine Growers Association. VGANJ is currently accepting exhibitor booth registrations. To find out more about purchasing a booth space see https://vganj.com/exhibitors.

What is new for 2024? On Tuesday during the mid-day break, participants at the convention can pre-sign up and participate in a free “Lunch and Learn” program where exhibitors will discuss their products and services. Registration is required for the free “Lunch and Learn” program, complimentary lunch will be provided, and space is limited. Attendees are also encouraged to participate in the Tuesday evening social and charity auction to bid on some fantastic items from our supporters. The charity auction will benefit Shriners Hospital and will be held on the trade show floor. Tickets will be available for the Wednesday, February 7th NJ Agricultural Society’s luncheon and everyone at the convention is welcome to sign up and buy tickets to attend. Also, on Wednesday evening, the annual VGANJ/NJDA Awards Dinner and Banquet will be held. This year VGANJ will be presenting their 2024 Vegetable Growers of the Year award to Angelo and Leonard Grasso Farms of Mullica Hill, NJ at the Wednesday dinner banquet. In addition, the NJ Department of Agriculture will be honoring their awardees at the dinner. More to come on these awards. Tickets for scheduled meals and events can be purchased through Nancy Wood at the NJ Department of Agriculture. Email Nancy at Nancy.Wood@ag.nj.gov or see Nancy at registration.

All information for the NJ Agricultural Convention and Trade Show can be found on the VGANJ website at https://vganj.com. To register for attending the educational sessions and trade show, to make hotel reservations, and view the Rutgers educational program, scroll to the bottom of the VGANJ webpage or click the “convention” tab at the top of the page. To help VGANJ meet their room reservations commitment please use the hotel room block for the convention on the VGANJ website through this link https://book.passkey.com/go/SH02VG4 or call the hotel at 888-516-2215 and use group code SH02VG4. Attendees can register for all 3 days by purchasing a VGANJ membership or they can purchase one-day passes on the VGANJ website or when arriving at the convention. Everyone is encouraged to pre-register for the event.

The Rutgers Educational Program at the convention this year has the theme of “Pathways to Grow Farm Viability” and covers a wide range of topics including soil health, hemp production, basic wine grape production, tree fruit establishment, vegetable topics, high tunnel production, nursery and ornamentals, strawberry production, transition to organics, blueberry production, food safety, retail marketing, new agricultural technology, pest problems among many other topics. On Thursday, February 8 a half-day session on Worker Protection Safety Respiratory Protection Training with Fit Testing for Respirators will be hosted and licensed applicators can receive 8 core credits. Additionally, there is an all-day Farm Food Safety workshop on Thursday for a fee that can be paid online. Pre-Registration is required for both Thursday workshops and both have limited seating – so register early. See the Thursday Workshop section of the program for workshop registration links and more information. Or use this link for the Food Safety Workshop registration https://go.rutgers.edu/mhqc3m5u or register for the Respirator Training Workshop at https://go.rutgers.edu/pesticideworkshop.

In addition to the Rutgers educational sessions the NJ State Board of Agriculture will be hosting their annual delegates convention. For more information regarding the NJ State Board of Agriculture Delegates Convention see https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/conventions/. Everyone is welcome to attend the NJ State Board of Agriculture delegates sessions to learn more about agricultural issues. The delegates and NJ SBOA meet on Wednesday and Thursday of the convention. Each county board of agriculture, commodity organizations and other groups send delegates to this convention to vote on resolutions important to the agricultural industry. This event is hosted and organized by the NJ Department of Agriculture.

 

Filed Under: Blueberry, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Nursery, Organic Production, pesticide credits, Strawberry, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Wine Grape Tagged With: , , ,
November 8, 2023

USDA Increases Minimum Annual Payment for Conservation Stewardship Program

Conservation programs with USDA have received unprecedented increases in funding and farmers should investigate programs to make improvements on their farm. One program in particular, is increasing the minimum annual payments to producers for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) from $1,500 to $4,000 in fiscal year 2024. The increase addresses challenges faced by small farms making participation more financially beneficial for smaller operations. The new minimum payment is available for new and renewed CSP contracts.

CSP offers technical and financial assistance to help agricultural and forest producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. The program is designed to compensate agricultural and forest producers who agree to increase their level of conservation by adopting additional conservation activities and maintaining their baseline level of conservation.

Examples of CSP enhancements that are suitable for being adopted by smaller scale and urban producers include:

  • Planting multi-species cover crops
  • Mulching with natural materials
  • Establishing pollinator habitats
  • Soil health crop rotation

Currently, an unprecedented amount of funding is available for CSP through the Inflation Reduction Act and Farm Bill. The Inflation Reduction Act provided $19.5 billion in additional funding for NRCS oversubscribed programs like CSP for five years. Inflation Reduction Act funds are available to help producers adopt climate-smart practices.

NRCS recently announced it increased the number of Climate-Smart Agricultural and Forestry Mitigation Activities eligible for Inflation Reduction Act funding for fiscal year 2024 through CSP, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). To learn more, download the list of practices and a fact sheet.

NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but producers interested in this cycle of Inflation Reduction Act funding should apply as soon as possible. Producers interested in EQIP should apply by DATE or CSP should apply by DATE for consideration this year. Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding for climate-smart conservation activities.

For more information about assistance available, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center.

Filed Under: Christmas Trees, Commercial Ag Updates, Field, Forage & Livestock, Food Safety, Fruit, Landscape, Nursery, & Turf, Organic Production, Vegetable Crops Tagged With: , ,