What Is the Produce Safety Program?
The Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety program was developed as a statewide effort
to work with farmers to manage produce safety risks ​according to the
​Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR). ​

The produce safety technician provides services to Manistee, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Antrim counties.

Please contact the Manistee Conservation District about the open position of Produce Safety Technician at: 231.889.9666.

The Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule is the first-ever regulation placing standards on:

• Growing
• Harvesting
• ​Packing
• Handling of Fruits and Vegetables

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This is an effort to prevent microbial contamination and food-borne illness in fresh produce.
The rule applies to all fruits and vegetables meant for human consumption that are defined as typically consumed raw by the FSMA.

This program is delivered to Michigan produce growers by Produce Safety Technicians through grant funding administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).  For those requesting assistance the Technician provides voluntary and free services to all farms who grow, pack, process, or sell fresh produce regardless of size, income or market reach.

This program is strictly voluntary and confidential. Technicians are prohibited to share any information obtained while offering services to state inspectors or others.

Assistance provided by Produce Safety Technicians include:

• Produce Safety Risk Assessment
• On Farm Readiness Review
• Assistance on developing Food Safety Plan
• Technical on-farm advice
• Grower Trainings through Produce Safety Alliance-FSMA required

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Other information regarding resources, and educational opportunities for farmers are available upon request.