Safe Produce program mission is to provide science-based research knowledge in food safety and good agricultural practices to educate and assist people with standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fruits and vegetables safe for human consumption.

We are professionals knowledgeable in horticulture, food science, environmental science, and microbiology that combine to provide produce safety education and expertise for the benefit of the communities, economies, and people of Iowa. 

Our program provides commercial farmers, home gardeners, and produce enthusiasts with education and technical assistance through in-class training, on-site technical assistance, and informative outreach programs to grow fruits and vegetables safe for human consumption.

Our educational programs focus on instruction in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) centered on the principles of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rule “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” also known as “The Produce Safety Rule.”