Vermont State Produce Safety Program: Design, Development & Implementation

Project Summary/AbstractProject Title: Vermont State Produce Safety Program: Design, Development & ImplementationProject Description: The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) will establisha produce safety program to encourage the production of quality, safe fruits and vegetables, ensureproducer competitiveness in the marketplace, and assist FDA in implementing the FSMA-mandated,unified partnership approach toward achieving an integrated food safety system.Project Goals: The proposed project will establish and utilize a multi-year strategic plan to identifyresources needed to implement a produce safety program aligned with FDA's Produce Safety Rule(PSR)-including metrics to evaluate its effectiveness-and to develop an inspectional program thatmeets FDA requirements and promotes public health. This program will include education andtraining for produce farmers covered under the rule as well as robust training for regulators.Expected Outcomes: The partnerships and plans to emerge from this work will create a federal-staterelationship that will leverage the existing and future expertise, knowledge, and resources committedto education and implementation of the PSR in Vermont.Project Objectives: (1) Self-Assessment: conduct a self-assessment of components necessary tocreate an education and technical assistance and inspectional program. (2) Farm Inventory: establisha mechanism to develop an inventory of Vermont farms subject to the PSR, utilizing relationshipdevelopment with the produce industry through offering technical assistance, market access, andcapital infrastructure support to populate and sustain this inventory. (3) Legal Authority: Evaluateexisting regulatory authority related to produce safety and the changes necessary to establish,operate, and maintain a program aligned with the requirements of the PSR. (4) ProgramInfrastructure: Invest in the sustainable implementation of a program that includes inspection andcompliance activities, technical assistance and industry support, producer and regulator trainingopportunities, and a robust evaluation process. (5) Education, Outreach & Technical Assistance:Promote the development of an educated and informed Vermont produce grower communityresulting in knowledge of the Produce Safety Rule and how to achieve compliance. (6)Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan for outreach to industry, partners, and thepublic about programmatic strategy, implementation efforts, and measurable outcomes.Budget: Year 1: $500,000; Year 2: $725,000; Year 3: $755,000; Year 4: $770,000; Year 5: $875,000Total: $3,625,000 for the five-year cooperative agreement period