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Cold Season Harvest Vegetables

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.” 

Events

Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training

April 3, 2024 - Remote Virtual 

Registration is Closed 


Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training

April 16, 2024 - In-Person, Iowa City IA

Registration Deadline: April 9, 2024 


On-Farm Technical Assistance and Readiness Review

We anticipate working with you to continue your produce safety education and encourage you to sign up for an on-site technical assistance visit or an On-farm Readiness Review (OFRR)  through our email IowaFSMA@iastate.edu or call (515)294-2552.  

Features

Ag and Food Systems Workforce Survey 

Iowa 4-H Youth Development program is conducting an Ag and Food Systems Workforce Survey to help 4-H programs better prepare youth to be successful in the agricultural industry. 


Farm to School Produce Safety Factsheets

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FSN) website contains farm food and produce safety fact sheets available for viewing or download. Please select the Food Safety drop-down tab to view. 


Farm to School Produce Safety Survey 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FSN) survey results describing food safety concerns associated with fresh produce and farm to school activities. 


Creating a Workplace Food Safety Culture

Produce Processing Magazine article describing approaches to improving food safety culture in the food and produce industry.