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 2022 and/or 2023.
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
Farm to School Partnerships in Merced County
On a warm September evening in Merced, CA, hundreds of students and families gathered for “Back to School Night” across Merced City School District’s 14 elementary schools. Fortunately for attendees
Future of Family Farms in the San Joaquin Valley
Earlier this year, CAFF kicked off a massive project in the San Joaquin Valley to help support family farms there and strengthen the local food economy, in partnership with UC
Ecological Farming Program Specialist
Title: Ecological Farming Program Specialist I or II*** Location: California / Hybrid – partially remote option (Davis, CA Region preferred) FTE: 1.0 FTE Salary: $60,000 – $73,000 annually*** FLSA: Exempt
Water Policy & Organizing Manager
Title: Water Policy & Organizing Manager Classification: Specialist II or Senior Manager Location: Sacramento Region preferred / hybrid FTE:
CAFF Survey 2023
Please take a few moments (no more than 10 minutes) to complete this year’s survey. The results from this survey help us better understand what issues are most important
Research Contractor: Small-Scale Farmer Needs Assessment, Appropriate Technology
Title: Research Contractor, CAFF’s Technology Hub Location: Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, and Tulare counties Compensation: $40,000 – $54,000 total project budget (fixed rate) Contract Duration: October 2023 to May 2024
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
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
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
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) need to do to be in compliance with worker health
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
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) need to do to be in compliance with worker health
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
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
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
FSMA Y NOP: Animales silvestres y domésticos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general sobre lo que las granjas que necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA) deben
FSMA Y NOP: Higiene y salud de los trabajadores
Esta hoja informativa explica qué deben hacer las granjas que necesitan cumplir plenamente con la Ley federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) para
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
COVID-19 Resources
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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