Category: Implementation

Prepare For Your Upcoming Inspection with a Free On-Farm Readiness Review

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Prepare for your upcoming inspection with a free On Farm Readiness Review

Are you familiar with produce safety regulatory inspection requirements? Are you wondering how the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) applies to your farm and food safety practices?

Get answers to these questions and more by scheduling a free On-Farm Readiness Review!

Produce farms nationwide that are required to comply with the federal FSMA Produce Safety Rule are subject to mandatory regulatory inspections as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In California, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program (PSP) inspectors are authorized to conduct on-farm produce safety regulatory inspections on behalf of the FDA.

CDFA PSP provides the opportunity for producers to request an On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) to prepare for their initial produce safety inspection. An OFRR is a free, voluntary, customized assessment conducted before an initial regulatory inspection. An OFRR includes a farm walk-around and one-on-one conversations with CDFA PSP staff to discuss how the Produce Safety Rule applies to your operation.

An OFRR aims to help prepare you for your upcoming produce safety inspection and discuss enhanced food safety practices tailored to your unique farm needs. Farms that request an OFRR will receive a free OFRR produce safety manual, FSMA Produce Safety Rule regulatory pocket handbook, and recordkeeping templates. “Small”[1] and “Very Small”[2] farms that have not yet undergone an initial FSMA Produce Safety Rule regulatory inspection can especially benefit from an OFRR to aid in the preparation plan for the subsequent initial inspection.

Farm operators are encouraged to request a free OFRR assessment after completing the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course. Scheduling an OFRR is easy! Simply email producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov or call us at 916-654-0466. When requesting an OFRR, please be prepared to provide the following information to support a seamless scheduling process:

  1. Farm name and location
  2. A contact person and how to contact you
  3. What produce do you grow, harvest, pack, or hold?
  4. When are you harvesting?
  5. Have you completed the PSA Grower Training?

The CDFA Produce Safety Program is a unit operating under the CDFA Inspection Services Division with a mission to ensure California produce farmers understand how to comply with the requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, resulting in a safer food supply for the people of California and beyond.

If you have questions about the Produce Safety Rule, please contact producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov. To stay up to date with news related to CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, sign up for the Produce Safety Program Mailing List by checking the Inspection Services Division (ISD) / Inspection and Compliance Branch / Produce Safety Program box. To learn more about CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, please visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/.

Under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, farms sizes are classified by the average annual gross produce sales adjusted for inflation over a three-year period. Click here to learn more about the FSMA Inflation Adjusted Cut Offs. “Large” farms have average annual produce sales above $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[1] “Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $250,000 and up to $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[2] “Very Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $25,000 adjusted for inflation and up to$250,000.

FDA Releases New Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Agricultural Water

Posted in Education, ImplementationTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
CDFA PSP Logo FDA Releases Agricultural Water FAQs in front of field being irrigated

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a constituent update announcing new frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the agricultural water requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, as well as updated information on how it will implement the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements.

The FAQs were developed to provide information about the agricultural water requirements based on topics covered in the final rules, including the following:

  • Inspection and maintenance of agricultural water systems,
  • Pre-harvest agricultural water assessments (including testing as part of an assessment and assessment outcomes),
  • Harvest and post-harvest agricultural water requirements,
  • Corrective and mitigation measures, and
  • Agricultural water treatment.  

The FDA also released updated information about how it plans to implement the pre-harvest agricultural water provisions of the Produce Safety Rule. The updated information focuses on the key elements of the agency’s approach to FSMA implementation, including education (for both industry and regulators), industry training, technical assistance, inspections, and compliance with a commitment to taking an “educate before and while we regulate” approach.

Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule Compliance Dates

The compliance date for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule began for Large Farms[1] starting on April 7, 2025. Compliance dates for Small Farms[2] and Very Small Farms[3] will follow in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

  • Large Farms: April 7, 2025
  • Small Farms: April 6, 2026
  • Very Small Farms: April 5, 2027

[1] Under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, farms sizes are classified by the average annual gross produce sales adjusted for inflation over a 3-year period. Click here to learn more about the FSMA Inflation Adjusted Cut Offs. “Large” farms have average annual produce sales above $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[2] “Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $250,000 and up to $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[3] “Very Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $25,000 and up to $250,000 adjusted for inflation.

Additional Resources

Resources including educational materials, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Trainings, On-Farm Readiness Reviews and the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) Technical Assistance Program are available to assist you with preparing for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements.

FDA Links

If you have questions about the Produce Safety Rule, please contact producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov. To stay up to date with news related to CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, sign up for the Produce Safety Program Mailing List by checking the Inspection Services Division (ISD) / Inspection and Compliance Branch / Produce Safety Program box. To learn more about CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, please visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/.

CDFA Produce Safety Program Presents on FSMA Agricultural Water Final Rule Across California

Posted in Education, Implementation, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
CDFA logo above four images of staff at various outreach events

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program (PSP) staff traveled across California this spring to present to stakeholders on the new Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule requirements and inspection-related topics under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR).

PSP’s Produce Safety Rule and Outreach Specialist Angela Terrazas and Central Coast Field Inspector Maggie Castro attended the 2025 Western Food Safety Conference in Salinas May 6 – 7 to share with conference attendees educational resources to support compliance with the FSMA PSR. Terrazas presented on the FSMA Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule requirements and what growers can anticipate during inspections in California to gain actionable insights into meeting compliance standards and ensuring safe agricultural water use for fresh produce.

Between April and May, CDFA PSP partnered with the Western Tree Nut Association, CDFA Technical Assistance Program and University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) to provide in-person workshops across California, spanning from Glenn County to Kern County, focusing on the FSMA Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule for growers and handlers of California tree nuts. PSP’s Terrazas, Training and Standardization Specialist Briana Russell and Central Valley (North) Field Inspector Carolyn Chandler provided attendees guidance on how the new requirements apply to their operations and how to prepare for a FSMA PSR inspection.

On June 10, Terrazas attended a Ventura County Food Safety Association meeting to present on the FSMA Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Fine Rule requirements. Terrazas answered water safety questions and provided attendees with educational resources to support FSMA PSR compliance.

Visit the CDFA PSP blog post and FDA webpage for more information about the FSMA Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water. If interested in a PSP presentation, please contact producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov.

To stay up to date with news related to CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, sign up for the Produce Safety Program Mailing List by checking the Inspection Services Division (ISD) / Inspection and Compliance Branch / Produce Safety Program box. To learn more about CDFA’s Produce Safety Program, please visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/.

Pictured: (Left, L-R) PSP’s Angela Terrazas and Maggie Castro host a conference booth at the 2025 Western Food Safety Conference in Salinas, CA. (Middle) Terrazas presents to 2025 Western Food Safety Conference attendees on agricultural water safety requirements. (Top Right, L-R) PSP’s Briana Russell and Terrazas present to workshop attendees in Madera, CA. (Bottom Right) Terrazas presents to Ventura County Food Safety Association attendees in Santa Paula, CA.

Are You Prepared for the Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Requirements?

Posted in Education, Implementation, RegulationTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
CDFA Produce Safety Program Logos above Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Rule Resources text in front of a produce field irrigated with overhead sprinklers

The compliance date for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) has begun for Large Farms[1] starting on April 7, 2025. Compliance dates for Small Farms[2] and Very Small Farms[3] will follow in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Pre-Harvest Agricultural Final Rule Compliance Dates

  • Large Farms: April 7, 2025
  • Small Farms: April 6, 2026
  • Very Small Farms: April 5, 2027

Resources including educational materials, Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Trainings, On-Farm Readiness Reviews and the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) Technical Assistance Program are available to assist you with preparing for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements.

Educational Resource Materials

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings

The current PSA Grower Training Course curriculum includes the new pre-harvest agricultural water rule requirements.

The CDFA Produce Safety Program (PSP) offers PSA Grower Training courses at no cost for all California residents. If you have not yet completed a PSA Grower Training course or would like to receive a refresher, please visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/growertraining/ for course dates.

PSA is also hosting update webinars at no cost for past course participants to understand the new pre-harvest agricultural water requirements. A certificate of completion will be emailed to webinar participants who attend one full session (only one session needs to be attended). Registration is required and participants must join the webinar within 15 minutes of the start time to receive a certificate. Participants can download handouts (English) | (Spanish) to take notes. If you have any questions on these webinars, please contact the PSA team at psatrainers@cornell.edu.

Upcoming live webinars in English:

Upcoming live webinars in Spanish:

Pre-recorded PSA webinars:

On-Farm Readiness Reviews

Produce growers and handlers that have not yet undergone their initial PSR inspections are encouraged to request an On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) to aid in their preparation process.

An OFRR is a free, voluntary, customized assessment conducted before an initial regulatory inspection that includes a farm walk-around and one-on-one conversations with CDFA PSP staff to discuss how the PSR applies to your operation in a confidential, educational format.

OFRRs can be requested by emailing producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov. Additional information on OFRRs can be found on our OFRR Blog Post.

CDFA Technical Assistance Program

Produce growers and handlers can receive one-on-one technical assistance at no cost by requesting to be connected to the CDFA Technical Assistance Program (TAP). CDFA TAP is a service that offers educational resources and food safety support for produce operators in California.

CDFA TAP participants will be connected to a Technical Assistance Provider from the University of California Cooperative Extension team who can provide customized support on pre-harvest agricultural water rule compliance and inspection preparation.

Request CDFA TAP support by emailing producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov and learn more at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/technicalassistance/.

What is Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water?

Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water refers to water used during growing activities where water is intended to, or is likely to, contact covered produce or food contact surfaces.

Examples of growing activities can include irrigation, crop sprays, fertigation, cooling, frost protection, dust abatement and any other uses where water directly contacts produce or food contact surfaces.

Covered produce means produce that is subject to the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule including the harvestable or harvested part of the crop. 

Background on the Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water Final Rule

On May 6, 2024, FDA published a final rule on pre-harvest agricultural water revising certain requirements in Subpart E of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR) for covered produce (other than sprouts) for enhanced produce safety. The new rule moves from an emphasis on testing pre-harvest water to performing an agricultural water assessment. It does not change existing agricultural water requirements for sprouts or harvest and post-harvest water uses. The final rule went into effect on July 5, 2024.

[1] Under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, farms sizes are classified by the average annual gross produce sales adjusted for inflation over a 3-year period. Click here to learn more about the FSMA Inflation Adjusted Cut Offs. “Large” farms have average annual produce sales above $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[2] “Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $250,000 and up to $500,000 adjusted for inflation.

[3] “Very Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $25,000 and up to $250,000 adjusted for inflation.

CDFA Launches Produce Safety One Health Initiatives Webpage

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Produce Safety Program (PSP) announces the launch of a Produce Safety One Health Initiatives webpage dedicated to California’s actions for enhanced produce safety based on the One Health approach.

In response to a series of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with leafy greens between 2018 to 2020, CDFA launched the California Longitudinal Study (CALS) in 2020 and California Agricultural Neighbors (CAN) in 2021. These actions are part of a collaborative effort across government agencies (federal, state, and local), universities, industry associations, and members of the produce, viticulture, livestock, and compost industries to initiate dialogues, address knowledge gaps, and foster enhanced produce safety practices.

The research efforts taking place in California are based on the globally supported One Health approach, a multidisciplinary systems-thinking approach that recognizes the health of people is interconnected to the health of animals, plants, and our shared environments. The One Health approach is a fundamental component of the national Healthy People initiative, released every decade since 1990 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which guides health promotion and disease prevention efforts to improve the health of the nation.

The California Longitudinal Study (CALS) is a multi-year study launched in 2020 targeted towards adaptively identifying environmental factors affecting foodborne pathogens to address knowledge gaps and assist in solutions-oriented outcomes for growers and affiliates in the agriculture industry. To accomplish this, California’s leafy green industry is collaborating with state and federal agencies, the UC Davis Western Center for Food Safety, and partners across California’s cattle, viticulture, and compost industries.

California Agricultural Neighbors (CAN) is a collaborative effort led by CDFA and the Monterey County Farm Bureau (MCFB) launched in 2021 that provides a roundtable forum to foster dialogue and neighborly practices for enhanced food safety when agriculture operations are adjacent to one another. CAN efforts are supported by the California Farm Bureau Federation, California Cattlemen’s Association, Western Growers Association, and the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement to help with facilitation services provided by Abby Dilley, RESOLVE. The full 2022 CAN Report is available for review here.  

To learn more about California’s Produce Safety One Health Initiatives, please visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/onehealthinitiatives/.

FDA Publishes Final Rule on Pre-Harvest Agricultural Water

Posted in Announcements, Education, Implementation, RegulationTagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On May 6, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a final rule on pre-harvest agricultural water revising certain requirements in Subpart E of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR) for covered produce (other than sprouts) for enhanced produce safety.

The new rule replaces the prior pre-harvest water microbial quality criteria and testing requirements with requirements for systems-based agricultural water assessments for hazard identification and risk management. Agricultural water assessments will now need to be conducted once annually, and whenever a significant change occurs that increases the likelihood of hazards being introduced to produce or food contact surfaces. The new rule does not change existing agricultural water requirements for sprouts or harvest and post-harvest water uses.

FDA states this new rule:

  • Establishes requirements for agricultural water assessments that evaluate a variety of factors that are key determinants of contamination risks associated with pre-harvest agricultural water. This includes an evaluation of the water system, water use practices, crop characteristics, environmental conditions, potential impacts on water from adjacent and nearby land, and other relevant factors.
  • Includes testing pre-harvest agricultural water as part of an assessment in certain circumstances.
  • Requires farms to implement effective mitigation measures within specific timeframes based on findings from their assessments. Hazards related to certain activities associated with adjacent and nearby land uses are subject to expedited mitigation.
  • Adds new options for mitigation measures, providing farms with additional flexibility in responding to findings from their pre-harvest agricultural water assessments.

The final rule is effective July 5, 2024. Compliance dates for the pre-harvest agricultural water requirements for covered produce (other than sprouts) are as follows[1]:

  • For Large farms: April 7, 2025 (9 months after the effective date of the final rule)
  • For Small farms: April 6, 2026 (1 year, 9 months after the effective date of the final rule)
  • For Very Small farms: April 5, 2027 (2 years, 9 months after the effective date of the final rule)

If you have questions about the Produce Safety Rule, please contact producesafety@cdfa.ca.gov.

Additional Resources:

[1] Under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule, farms sizes are classified by the average annual gross produce sales adjusted for inflation over a 3-year period. Click here to learn more about the FSMA Inflation Adjusted Cut Offs. “Large” farms have average annual produce sales above $500,000 adjusted for inflation. “Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $250,000 and up to $500,000 adjusted for inflation. “Very Small” farms have average annual produce sales above $25,000 and up to $250,000 adjusted for inflation.