Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety

The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety program was developed as a statewide effort to proactively minimize contamination risks to raw, fresh produce by working alongside farmers to reduce risks in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act's Produce Safety Rule. In a collaborative effort, three state-wide organizations work together to further produce safety goals: MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, and Conservation Districts (Produce Safety Technicians).

Produce Safety Technician

The Newaygo Conservation District houses one of six technicians in the state through grant funds administered by MDARD. Technicians provide voluntary, confidential, and free services to growers who grow, pack, process, or sell fresh produce regardless of farm size or income.

Allissa Conley is our Produce Safety Technician and she primarily services Newaygo, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Lake counties, but travels to 8 more counties East if assistance is needed. If you need more information on the Produce Safety Rule or the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) you can contact her by phone at 989-295-5661 or by email at allissa.conley@macd.org.

Allissa Conley

What Does a Produce Safety Technician Do?

All services offered by technicians are free, voluntary, non-regulatory, and confidential. Technicians work with farmers to address produce safety needs and achieve goals in personalized ways that work for them and their operation.

  • Technicians offer resources to assess your current practices and improve on-farm produce safety through the following ways:

  • Produce Safety Risk Assessment (PSRA)

    • The PSRA is a voluntary program designed to educate fresh fruit and vegetable producers about food safety and to recognize those who implement produce safety management practices. Producers who successfully complete the assessment and on-site farm review receive certificates of completion that they can share with their consumers and buyers.

    • Technicians can identify areas of improvement on your farm, provide you with relevant resources, and help you develop an action plan.

  • On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR)

    • On-Farm Readiness Reviews are designed to help fresh produce growers feel prepared and ready for a full implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). They allow growers to walk through their operation with a small team of food-safety experts and discuss how to meet the new FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements.​

  • On-Farm Technical Assistance

    • produce safety plan development 

    • water testing

    • training protocols

    • record keeping

Benefits From Working With a Tech

  • Market with the Participating Farm logo awarded to growers following best produce safety practices.

  • Prepare for regulatory MDARD inspections if your farm is covered under the Produce Safety Rule

  • Prepare for food safety programs and marketing audits, like GAP and PRIMUS.

  • Grow, distribute, and provide safe produce for you and your community.

  • Get organized with a well-developed produce safety plan and record-keeping system.

  • Develop worker and supervisor training to ensure best health and hygiene practices are implemented.

  • Reduce potential risks of microbial contaminants in fresh produce.

  • Cost share funds available in future, contact technician for more details

Where to find the MIOFPS Team