Developing A State Implemented Produce Safety Plan

Project SummaryProject Title: Developing a State Implemented Produce Safety PlanProject Description: In April 2016 the Idaho State Department of Agriculture began todevelop a plan to enhance produce safety in preparation of implementation of the Foodand Drug Administration's Produce Safety Rule (PSR). This project will build anaccurate analysis of the capacity of produce grown in the state and the necessaryinfrastructure to implement a plan that will be capable of enhancing a national integratedfood safety system while encouraging the safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables.Project Goals: The project will utilize a broad coalition of agricultural relatedcommissions, associations, industries and universities to assemble the informationneeded to build a jurisdictional produce assessment and devise a mechanism to identifyand maintain a farm inventory. Concurrently, technical experts will be utilized toanalyze state authority and craft enabling legislation to align state regulation andactivities with the PSR. Education and technical assistance will be planned andprovided to regulators and the regulated industry to ensure a well-informed, communitythat will be able to comply with and enforce produce safety requirements.Expected Outcomes: The partnerships and plans outlined in this proposal will createan alliance of federal-state cooperators resulting in consistent on-farm inspections thatmeet the expectations of FSMA rules and demonstrate movement toward the goals ofimproved produce safety.Project Objectives: 1) Conduct a jurisdictional self-assessment to determine size andscope of produce industry, infrastructure needs and beneficial partnerships, 2) Developa mechanism to identified and maintain an accurate produce farm inventory, 3) Performan analysis of state authority, and 4) Craft a strategic plan that addresses goals andmilestones to measure outcomes of the prescribed plan.