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.
