In this issue: Stop & Shop will be closing some stores in the Northeast focusing on reducing costs and prices to consumers. Consumers currently prefer fresh produce with longer shelf-lives and cabbage is having its moment! Learn about rice and honeyberry production – two new emerging crops for the region. Food safety investments tend to pay-off, especially if you have third party audits. Use NYS Business Express to identify what you need to start or expand a new venture and upcoming programs.
Tag: safety
Dealing with storm/flood damage on your farm.
Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange County and Elizabeth Higgins, CCE ENYCH If you have had flooding in your fields or crop damage due to storms here are some guidelines to follow. First Steps – Document the Damage If you have flood/storm damage to your crops it is important that you remember to take pictures and document Read More…
FSMA Inspection and On-Farm Readiness Review Updates
Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP & Craig Kahlke, CCE LOFP Is your farm ready for a FSMA Produce Safety Rule inspection? As the growing season begins, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is booking inspections and educational On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs) around the state to see farm activities in action. For the third Read More…
New Produce Safety Factsheets Available for Hydroponics Producers
Elisabeth Hodgdon, Extension Specialist Cornell Cooperative Extension, ENYCHP Understanding how to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)’s Produce Safety Rule can be challenging for hydroponics and aquaponics producers. In response to an identified need for more tailored resources for this industry, the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS) developed a set of Read More…
Online Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Train the Trainer Course Approved
Teresa Rusinek, Extension Specialist CCE Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program The WPS is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation intended to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from risk of exposure. If you are an agricultural employer or manager, you must know your responsibilities under the WPS and provide WPS training and protections to employees. Read More…
Visitor Food Safety Policies for a Successful Pick-Your-Own Season
Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP With pick-your-own (PYO) apple season upon us, customers are eager to get outdoors and enjoy the fall season and orchard scenery. Welcoming visitors to the orchard requires many advanced preparations to ensure a positive experience for both customers and employees. Food safety considerations should be included in these preparations as well. Read More…
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food Read More…
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023. USDA’s new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program will help to offset costs for specialty crop producers to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small and medium producers and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.