FOOD SAFETY
RESOURCES FOR FARMERS
From fact sheets to webinars to tips on value-added products, below you’ll find a variety of resources to help keep your produce safe and your farm in compliance with new food safety regulations.
Food Safety Plans

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 2024 and/or 2025.

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

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

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

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

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
For Food Hubs

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. Download

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
Podcast Episodes

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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) worker health and hygiene requirements. There is also an overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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).

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

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

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

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

Requirements for Farms that Must Fully Comply with FSMA: Part 2
Organic agricultural professionals are invited to join the CCOF Foundation and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a series of webinars on how the new federal food safety regulations
Organics & Food Safety

2025 NOP/FSMA/3rd Party Audit Food Safety Guide (Updated)
This updated guide for 2025 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

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

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) worker health and hygiene requirements. There is also an overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)
Value-Added Products

Value-Added Product Success, Three Farms Share Their Stories
CAFF’s Tech Hub is hosting a three part webinar series on value-added products and success stories of small producers using Ecommerce. The series highlights farmers who have developed their business

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

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

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

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

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
Recursos en español

Botiquín de primeros auxilios para operaciones agrícolas con códigos QR
El botiquín de primeros auxilios estándar que se puede conseguir en una farmacia, muchas veces no es suficiente para el uso en una operación agrícola. Este recurso proporciona una lista

Kits de limpieza y desinfección con códigos QR
Este recurso contiene suministros clave que son necesarios para la limpieza y desinfección en las operaciones agrícolas. Por favor escanear los códigos QR para navegar a enlaces directos que contienen

Hojas informativas de clasificación de granjas según la FSMA
¿Esta confundido/a acerca de cómo se clasifica su granja según la ley federal de Modernización de la Inocuidad de los Alimentos (FSMA)? Consulte estas hojas informativas de una página que

Una guía para la certificación de la seguridad alimentaria para centros de distribución de alimentos e instalaciones alimentarias
Esta guía está redactada para centros de distribución de alimentos y otras instalaciones alimentarias que busquen información sobre cómo tratar las preguntas sobre seguridad alimentaria de los compradores y conseguir

Herramientas de verificación de proveedores
Un recurso para ayudar a los agricultores y a quienes les compran a cumplir las normas de verificación de proveedores de la Ley de modernización de la inocuidad alimentaria.


Directrices de inocuidad alimentaria para pequeñas granjas de California
La siguiente lista de recomendaciones debe tenerse en cuenta durante la producción, la cosecha, la transformación y el transporte de los cultivos.

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 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)

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

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

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
Webinars

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

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

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

Requirements for Farms that Must Fully Comply with FSMA: Part 2
Organic agricultural professionals are invited to join the CCOF Foundation and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a series of webinars on how the new federal food safety regulations

Requirements For Farms That Must Fully Comply With FSMA
Organic agricultural professionals and farmers are invited to join the CCOF Foundation and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a series of webinars on how the new federal food

Webinar: Does FSMA apply to your Farm?
*Update 12/5/17* The slide with FSMA full exemptions mentions that farms with less than $25,000 in annual produce sales are fully exemption from FSMA. This is correct. We may not