All posts in Food Safety
Free Microbial Water Testing for Farmers
Photo from the Western Center for Food Safety Are you a farmer who needs to conduct water testing on your farm? CAFF will cover the costs of microbiological water testing for your farm. This program lasts until funding runs out.
A Guide to Food Safety Certification for Food Hubs and Food Facilities
This guide is written for food hubs and other food facilities seeking information about how to navigate food safety questions from buyers and pursue a third-party food safety audit.
Digital Marketing & CSA Customer Retention – Shared Legacy Farm shares their success!
Learn more about Shared Legacy Farm’s successful use of social media and email marketing to retain a large percentage of their CSA members, to the point of having a waitlist! Corinna provides her top six tips and tricks for successfully
Social Media Best Practices – 5 Marys Farm shares her success!
Learn more about Five Marys Farm successful use of social media and how she sells 100% of their products to 30K customers using direct-to-consumer marketing strategies. Mary provides information on her most used marketing tools which include Instagram and FloDesk
Produce Safety and Flood Resources
Guidance and resources for growers to assess crop safety after a flood
Value-Added Producer Grant Scholarship Program
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash CAFF’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Scholarship Program provides partial funding for farmers to work with Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. to write and submit a VAPG Grant application. How does it work? Farmers must
Programa de certificación de inocuidad alimentaria para cultivos especiales
Un nuevo programa a través de la Agencia de servicios agrícolas del USDA está proporcionando el reembolso de los gastos del programa de inocuidad alimentaria en la granja relacionados con la obtención o renovación de una certificación de inocuidad alimentaria
Financial Assistance Available for Food Safety Certification
A new program through USDA’s Farm Service Agency is providing reimbursement for on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and/or 2023. How does it work? In 2022 and 2023, the program
Value-Added Product Webinar Series for Farmers
Note: This webinar series has passed. Click here to watch the webinar series on CAFF’s YouTube Channel. Are you a farmer or rancher interested in producing or scaling a value-added product? Are you interested in applying for the USDA’s Value-Added
FSMA Inspection Case Study: CDFA FSMA PSP Inspector
This interview is part of our Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) case study series. In earlier case studies we interviewed other farmers and they talked about food safety practices they complete to minimize their food safety risks and be in
Luna’s Farm Podcast Episode (en Español)
Dear listeners, click here to listen to our last episode of the season. We hope you enjoy this special episode in Spanish hosted by our podcast producer, Jaime Roque. In this episode we visit Luna’s Farm, a multi-generational Latinx family
La Inocuidad Alimentaria Vs. los Requisitos Orgánicos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de las tres categorías de fincas dentro de la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) y relaciona esa regulación de seguridad alimentaria con los requisitos
FSMA Y NOP: Mantenimiento de registros
Esta hoja informativa explica los registros que deben tener las fincas para estar en pleno cumplimiento con FSMA(por sus siglas en inglés) y los compara con los registros que se requieren para el programa nacional orgánico (NOP por sus siglas
FSMA Y NOP: Planes escritos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas deben tener para un plan de inocuidad de los alimentos por escrito si necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con FSMA. También hay una descripción general de los requisitos
FSMA Y NOP: El uso del suelo
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas que necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) necesitan hacer con respecto a su
FSMA Y NOP: Supervisión de los animales
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que una granja debe hacer para cumplir con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) con respecto al monitoreo para la contaminación de
Luna’s Farm Podcast Episode (en Español)
Queridas oyentes, este es nuestro último episodio de la temporada. Esperamos que disfrute de este episodio especial en español presentado por el productor de nuestro podcast, Jaime Roque. En este episodio, visitamos Luna’s Farm, una granja familiar Latinx multigeneracional que
Food Safety & Wildfires Case Study: Brisa Ranch
Key Details: Location: San Francisco bay area , near Pescadero Acres in Production: 16 Main Crops: Fruit, vegetables, flowers Wildfire: CZU Complex in 2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Cristóbal, Cole,
Stone’s Throw Farm Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Stone’s Throw Farm, an organic vegetable and flower farm located in Colfax, California. We sat down with Bryanna Eisenhut, co-owner and operator of Stone’s Throw, to learn about her path to farming full-time and what
FSMA Water Updates June 2022
Confused about FSMA Water Requirements? In 2011 President Obama signed into law the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The law updated our federal food safety requirements and for the first time created federal food safety requirements for produce farms. This
Vitis and Ovis Farm Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Vitis and Ovis Farm, a multi-generational Swiss-American-Ethiopian family farm located in the Capay Valley and specializing in pastured duck eggs, fruit and medicinal herbs. We talk to Hans, Barbara and Giselle Herren about the 30+
Sherman Produce Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Donald Sherman at his farm in Kerman, California. Donald owns and operates Sherman Produce, a year-round diversified vegetable farm and produce market distributing throughout Fresno County. Donald has been involved in agriculture his entire life
Meet CAFF’s 2020-22 Partner Farm Cohort, Part 2
From 2020-2022 CAFF partnered with fifteen farms across California to develop and update their food safety practices. Farms who participated in the partnership wanted to ensure their food was safe for their communities, comply with the new Food Safety Modernization
Meet CAFF’s 2020-22 Partner Farm Cohort, Part 1
From 2020-2022 CAFF partnered with fifteen farms across California to develop and update their food safety practices. Farms who participated in the partnership wanted to ensure their food was safe for their communities, comply with the new Food Safety Modernization
FSMA Inspection Case Study: New Natives Farm
Key Details: Location: California Central Coast Main Crop(s): Microgreens FSMA PSR Inspection: 1/7/2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP/GMP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Ken and Sandra Kimes New Natives Farm was started in 1980. Today their
Urban Tilth Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Urban Tilth, a community-based organization in Richmond, California. We learn about the organization’s mission and programs to cultivate agriculture and build a more sustainable, healthy and just food system in West Contra Costa County. One
Sysourath Farms Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Sysourath Farms in Fresno, California. Veomany Sysourath, a second generation farmer, shares about her family’s history emigrating to the United States, working in agriculture and eventually starting their farm. Sysourath Farms grows a variety of
Right-Sized Sanitation Practices and Post-Harvest Tools for Small Farms Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djatZA_R3Zs&list=PLZUin76taTH_rV0BDx515X9zcS78fNOn7&index=33&t=1s Post-harvest processing presents both risks and opportunities for food safety, especially on small farms who process much of their produce before market. In this video from the 2022 California Small Farm Conference, CAFF’s food safety team demonstrates right-sized sanitation
Food Safety Plan Resources – English
You can find our English food safety plan template and corresponding resources on this webpage. Resources are available in free word documents to download or as google docs that you can copy to your google drive. FOOD SAFETY PLANS ENGLISH
Steve Fukagawa Farms Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Steve Fukagawa Farms in Kingsburg, California. Steve Fukagawa is a third generation Japanese farmer, growing organically in the San Joaquin Valley. We learn about Steve’s family history farming in California, his production of organic tree
Interview with Daniel Karp, Associate Professor at UC Davis Podcast Episode
In this episode we interview Daniel Karp, Ph.D., Associate Professor at UC Davis studying conservation in working landscapes. Danny describes his research related to wildlife habitat conservation and bird activity on farms, and implications for food safety on produce farms.
Jacobs Farm / del Cabo Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Jacobs Farm / del Cabo in Watsonville, California. Larry Jacobs, one of the co-founders, tells us about the company history and relationship with growers in Mexico. We learn how food safety regulations for imported produce
PC Rule Supplier Verification Guide
Are you part of a food hub and confused about what Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food safety requirements you need to require from farmers you source from? Or, are you a farmer that sells to a food hub and
Coastal Roots Farm Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, California. We learn about the farm’s mission to connect agriculture, education and ancient Jewish wisdom. The farmers give us a tour of the food forest, production fields, laying hens and
Fresno Freedom School Podcast Episode
In this episode we hear from Dr. Floyd D. Harris Jr. of Fresno Freedom School in Fresno, California. We learn about the organization’s history and mission to connect Fresno’s youth with agriculture, how they implement food safety practices as an
Soil Born Farms Podcast Episode
In this episode we interview Tyler Stowers, the farm manager at Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova, California. We learn about the organization’s history and growth, how they integrate food safety practices into their day-to-day operations as an urban-based education
New Natives Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Ken Kimes at New Natives Farm in Santa Cruz County. We learn how New Natives pivoted during the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic and their food safety practices, including tips for passing a third party
Hillview Farms Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Shanon and Michael Whamond at their farm in Placer County, CA. We learn about Shanon and Michael’s farming journey, recent challenges and their farm’s food safety practices, including how they maintain produce quality during hot
CAFF VAPG Scholarship Opportunity
Interested in applying for the USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant? Do you sell your produce as organic, local, free range, grass fed, etc. OR make a finished product from your produce? Are you interested in exploring the feasibility of doing
Bai Thao Farms Podcast Episode
In this episode we visit Bai Thao at her farm in Sanger, CA. We learn about Bai’s family history in agriculture and her farming and food safety practices, including water testing and an inventive method for ensuring her tools stay
Small Farm FSMA Series Post 4 of 4
SMALL FARM FSMA SERIES – POST 4 of 4 Author: Stepheni Norton, Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is general in good farm practice and
Food Safety Plan Templates in Spanish
CAFF’s free food safety plan templates for small farmers are now available in Spanish. The templates can be used by farmers that need to be in compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and those looking to implement
Plantillas de Planes de Inocuidad Alimentaria en Español
Las plantillas gratuitas del plan de seguridad alimentaria de CAFF para pequeños agricultores ya están disponibles en español. Las plantillas pueden ser utilizadas por los agricultores que necesitan cumplir con la Ley federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA)
Full Belly Farm Podcast Episode
SHOW NOTES: Full Belly Farm website: http://fullbellyfarm.com/ Full Belly Farm instagram: @full_belly_farm https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/ FDA FSMA pdf of law: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/fsma/ucm334114.htm Hotsy Hot Water Pressure Washer: http://www.hotsy.com/Hot_Water_Pressure_Washers See page 133 of Martin’s Produce Supply’s online catalogue and call them to discuss further: https://www.martinsproducesupplies.com/sites/default/files/Catalog-2018.pdf CAFF Food Safety Training
NOP/FSMA/3rd Party Audit Food Safety Guide
This guide provides charts that give a side-by-side comparison of the similarities and differences between the requirements of the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act, and 3rd Party Food Safety Audits. For example, if you’re wondering what each program
Plantillas de Planes de Inocuidad Alimentaria Actualizadas en Español
La plantilla gratuita del plan de inocuidad alimentaria de CAFF para pequeños agricultores ha sido actualizada recientemente. La plantilla está orientada a los agricultores que necesitan cumplir con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Inocuidad de los Alimentos. La
PC Rule Guide for Food Hubs and Values-Based Buyers
FSMA Supplier Verification Demystified The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is composed of seven main rules or sections. Th common name of one of those sections is the PC or Preventive Controls Rule. That rule applies to facilities such as
Don’t Let FDA’s Unfair Rules Jeopardize Small Farms
When it comes to regulating American agriculture, one size does NOT fit all. That was the message that CAFF and thousands of family farmers brought to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ten years ago when they began hashing out
Small Farm FSMA Series Post 3 of 4
Author: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is meant for QUALIFIED EXEMPT FARMS If you need help determining your status, read
Worker Health & Hygiene: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to be in compliance with worker health and hygiene requirements. There is also an overview of what
Wild & Domestic Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to meet wild and domestic animal requirements. In addition, an overview of wild and
Monitoring Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what a farm that needs to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) needs to do in regards to monitoring for animal contamination. There is also an overview of
Land Use: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do in regards to their land use. An overview of what the National Organic Program
Soil Amendments from Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do with their soil amendments of animal origin to be in compliance. The factsheet also provides an overview
Written Plans: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet discusses an overview of what farms need to have for a written food safety plan if their need to be in full compliance with FSMA. There is also an overview of the written plan requirements are for the
Recordkeeping: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains the records farms that need to be in full compliance with FSMA must have and compares those vs. what records are required for the national organic program (NOP). Download the PDF here.
FSMA 101 vs. Organic Regulations
This factsheet provides an overview of the three farm categories within the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and relates that food safety regulation to the national organic program (NOP) requirements. Download the pdf here.
New FDA Guidance on FSMA Qualified Exempt Requirements During Covid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released temporary guidance on the requirements that farms must meet to be considered qualified exempt under the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This is important for small farms to be aware of
Farm Tough First Aid Kit
Most standard first aid kits you can buy do not come with supplies that are tough enough to withstand farming activities. CAFF created this Farm Tough First Aid Kit resource that guides you through curating a first aid kit that
New CDC Resource on Facemasks in Agriculture
Today (4/24/20) CDC released a new webpage providing information on facemasks, face coverings, and respirator use in agriculture. The article explains what type of face covering can be worn effectively in what farming situation.
On-Farm Food Safety Webinar
On 4/8/20 CAFF gave a webinar answering dozens of questions on on-farm food safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judith Redmond from Full Belly Farm shared some tips and other info on how their farm is adapting during this challenging
New CAFF Resource: How to Run CSA Pick Up Sites during COVID-19
CAFF has created a new resource for farmers that have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick up locations. The guide has tips for farmers and a sign that farmers could post at pick up locations and/or share electronically with CSA members.
New CAFF Resource: How to Prepare for Farm Labor Shortages
CAFF has created a new resource to help farmers prepare for possible labor shortages due to COVID-19. The first page of this resource is a flowchart that helps farmers determine the readiness of their operation. The second page is a
On-Farm COVID-19 Food Safety Info & FAQs
By: Kali Feiereisel, MPH Senior Manager, Farmer Services Last updated: April 7th, 2020 We realize this is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Hopefully this blog post can provide some tangible information to help answer some of your
Guidance for Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Respirators in Agriculture
To minimize the demand on NIOSH-certified N95 filtering respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this document discusses the option of limited reuse of N95 respirators. This document is intended for use by agricultural professionals to protect workers
COVID-19 FAQ for U-Pick Farms
Best practices and steps for farm managers. Employees should use gloves when handling money, or considering using cards to limit transfer of cash. If money is handled, hands should be washed or hand sanitizer should be used afterward.
COVID-19 FAQ for Farm Stands
Simple one-pager: steps for farm stand operators. Communicate with customers through signs or social media asking them to stay home if displaying symptoms. Provide hand sanitizer at the front of the stand and near the cash box. Use signs to
Small Farm FSMA Series – Part 2 of 4
Not Covered ≠ No Paperwork By: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist Last Updated: March 19th, 2020 Basic record keeping to prove you’re not covered farm status. FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before
Small Farm FSMA Series – Part 1 of 4
The 1 Thing Every Farm Must Do By: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist Last Updated March 19th, 2020 Regardless of size, every farm must perform a self-assessment to determine their Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) status. So,
FSMA Produce Safety Rule Inspection Updates
Looking to learn more about when and how Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Inspections will happen in California? Read this blog post to learn about the current timeline of California FSMA Inspections on large, small, and very small
Value-Added Products Regulatory Overview
Farms and food businesses processing foods into value-added products such as tomato sauce, salsa, and hot sauce need to be aware of the various state and federal food safety regulations one needs to follow to be in compliance. This resource
Processed Food Registration Permit
Interested in preserving fresh farm crops into tomato sauce, pickles, and other canned products? In California you need to be aware of value-added product food safety regulations affiliated with these products. Learn more about the Processed Food Registration Permit by
Cannery License Program
Farmers and food business makers processing raw agricultural products into shelf stable canned products may need to be in compliance with the California Cannery License Program. We have a pdf resource explaining more about the program as well as a
FSMA Diagrama de flujo Español
¿Me afectan Las Nuevas Normas de INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA según el ACTA DE MODERNIZACIÓN DE INOCUIDAD ALIMENTARIA? Un Diagrama de Flujo para Agricultores y Empresas de Alimentos.
Farming with Food Safety and Conservation
Food-borne illness linked to pathogens in meat, processed food, and produce has led to increased attention to food safety issues at all points along the supply chain, including the farm. Farmers can produce safe food without sacrificing responsible on-farm conservation
FAQ: Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
New NSAC Food Safety Modernization Act Resource: Food Safety Training Requirements for Produce Farms If my farm is fully subject to FSMA do I need to schedule an inspection? No. If your farm does not qualify for any of the full or
Post-harvest Resources
Postharvest Area Design: Ideal Wash & Pack Facility Layout – This resource created by Cornell University reviews important concepts and best practices that can applied to all sorts of postharvest farm situations. Floors for Vegetable Storage, Wash, and Pack – This University
Redshed Farm Podcast Episode
Photo from Red Shed Farm SHOW NOTES: Red Shed Farm website: http://www.redshedfarming.com/ Red Shed Farm instagram: @redshedfarm https://www.instagram.com/redshedfarm/ FDA FSMA pdf of law: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/fsma/ucm334114.htm SARE “Farmer’s Guide to Business Structures” – book is a great resource for farmers to read when starting a
Foothill Roots Farm Podcast Episode
Episode 3: Foothill Roots Farm – Meadow Vista Photo from Foothill Roots Farm SHOW NOTES: Foothill Roots Farm website: https://foothillrootsfarm.com/ Foothill Roots Farm instagram: @foothillrootsfarm https://www.instagram.com/foothillrootsfarm/ FDA FSMA pdf of law: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/fsma/ucm334114.htm University of Vermont Extension Greens Spinner resource: http://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/2018/07/20/greens-spinners-for-farm-use/ Search for Joy Fish