Food Safety Modernization Act

AZ Mandatory Farm Registration

leafy greens growing next to each other

Annual Farm Registration

Please take a moment to fill out the form online in order to register your farm.

2024 Annual Farm Registration

Mandatory Farm Registration - Instructions for filling out and submitting the Produce Safety Rule 2024 Questionnaire

Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) - Produce Safety Rule, the Arizona Department of Agriculture is required to provide training, conduct inspections, and collect information to maintain a current farm inventory.  In order to complete the following three requirements we need your help! The following questionnaire will help us to obtain current and accurate information as well as the ability to assess stakeholders needs.

The 2024 Questionnaire can be filled out online through google forms. If you have any issues filling out the form please contact Danielle Runion at email ([email protected]). An owner, operator, lessee or designated representative of a covered farm shall annually submit the questionnaire. The information required in the form is outlined in subsection A of 'R3-10-402. Inventory of Farms; Form; Electronic Submission' and shall be submitted not later than October 1st of each year. If there is a material change to the information required in subsection A, the owner, operator lessee or designated representative of the farm shall notify the Deparment within 60 days after the change.

Course Description 

About the course:

The Food Safety Grower Training curriculum has been specifically designed to provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices knowledge that includes emphasis on co-management of food safety and environmental management goals, while outlining the requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. It was developed through a nationwide collaboration including produce growers, extension educators, researchers, produce industry representatives and government personnel.   

Who Should Attend?

The Grower Training Course is for fruit and vegetable Growers, Harvesters, Packers, Cooler/Holders and others interested in learning about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR), Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), co-management of natural resources, produce safety & food safety.

The course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in CFR 21-112.22(c) that requires 'At least one supervisor or responsible party from your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).'

Benefits of Attending the Course:

Individuals who participate in this course are expected to gain a basic understanding of: 

  • Microorganisms relevant to produce safety and where they may be found on the farm
  • How to identify microbial risks, practices that reduces risks, and how to begin implementing produce safety practices on the farm
  • Parts of a Farm Food Safety Plan and how to begin writing one
  • Requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule
  • Receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) verifying completion of course

The In-Person Deliverable:

The course will teach attendees who manage food safety programs and/or food safety professionals the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule. The personnel responsible for food safety will then take the course information back to their respective operations and implement the necessary Produce Safety Rule requirements. The food safety professional can then ensure their operation understands and implements the practices outlined in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. The course will also help the food safety professional define the specific backup documentation that will be needed to comply with the Produce Safety Rule.

Please contact Norman Barnett at [email protected] or 602-542-0978 with any questions or concerns.

 

Scheduled Grower Training Courses 2019 Registration

Registration number two

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Grower Training In-Person Course is offered at a variety of locations and dates throughout the year. The registration will note the date and location of the training. The In-Person Course Registration begins at 7:30 am, the course runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and lunch will be provided. 

*Due to the current Coronavirus Outbreak, The Produce Safety Alliance is allowing for Remote Grower Trainings while we are practicing social distancing. This course will be offered remotely during this time to accommodate and once the public health concern is lifted, in-person classroom courses will resume. 

The Produce Safety Rule Remote Grower Training Course will take place over 2 Days from 7:45 AM - 1:30 PM on ‘Zoom’. You must be present for each session on both days to receive your Certificate of Course Completion from AFDO.

You will need access to a computer with reliable internet access, a webcam, microphone and speaker OR mobile device (eg. cell phone, for use of the audio portion only, you will still need a computer with internet and webcam abilities). You must be visible to presenters through video and be able to engage in discussion online during the course.

If you are interested in registering for a course, then please follow the links to the registration forms below.

 2024 Registration

2024 Completed Trainings

  • January 9th & 10th, Remote
  • February 27th & 28th, Remote

2023 Completed Trainings

  • January 18th & 19th, Remote
  • February 15th & 16th, Remote
  • March 21st & 22nd, Remote
  • April 4th & 5th, Remote
  • May 16th & 17th, Remote
  • June 6th & 7th, Remote
  • July 25th & 26th, Remote
  • August 8th & 9th, Remote
  • September 6th & 7th, Remote
  • October 10th & 11th, Remote
  • November 14th & 15th, Remote
  • December 12th & 13th, Remote

Note:

A password is required for the remote registration. Please contact [email protected] to receive password.

 

    Meet the Team!

     

     

     

    PSA Lead Trainers:

    Norman E. Barnett

     

    Norman Barnett is a Training Officer for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Norm came to AZDA after a 26 year career in food safety with Fry's Food & Drug Stores, a Kroger Company. Norm was the company liaison with the FDA, USDA, and all environmental health departments within the state of Arizona.  Norm also managed the corporate recall program, facilitated all food safety training and the cleaning/sanitation programs with vendor, Ecolab/Kay Chemical. Since 2017, Norm has assisted with the state-wide implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule with AZDA.  As a Training Officer, he works directly with Arizona Growers, Harvesters, Packers and Holders of fresh produce.  He performs Grower Training Courses, On-Farm Readiness Reviews and statewide educational outreach. Norm is a committee member with the University of Arizona’s Food Safety Consortium. He holds current membership with AZEHA & has served as a former board member. Additionally, Norm is credentialed by the FDA as a state agent commissioned to perform activities in Arizona relating to produce.

    Email: [email protected]

    Natalie A. Brassill, M.S. 

    Natalie A. Brassill, M.S. is an Assistant in Extension at the University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, AZ. Ms. Brassill is an Environmental Scientist who conducts Research in Water Quality. She earned her Master’s Degree in Environmental Microbiology from the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2013. Ms. Brassill focuses on research and outreach education in the field of surface water quality used for irrigation and recreation as well as wastewater and water reuse. She has taught lectures in both water quality and food safety including hands on workshops on farm and in classrooms across Arizona. She brings her passion for water and the outdoors to the work that she performs for University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Ms. Brassill has also conducted research at the Yuma Agriculture Center in the field of fresh produce safety and post-harvest microbiology. She currently works in the field of water quality microbiology pertaining to food safety and conducts state wide research and outreach.

    Email: [email protected]   

    PSA Trainers:

    Valentin Casillas

     

     

     

     

     

    Valentin Casillas is a Training Officer for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Valentin was hired by AZDA in 2021 and comes with 5 years of experience with Department of Labor Laws, regulations, policies and procedures on State and Federal Level. Valentin received several awards for providing passion to serve impacting thousands of Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers. During this time Valentin conducted outreach to farms across Arizona to reach out to H-2A and Domestic Farm Workers and Employers to provide guidance and tools regarding worker/employer rights and responsibility. In 2018 & 2019 Valentin and his team received the Arizona Department of Economic Security Team Award for those efforts. Valentin brings his passion for our farmers and farmworkers and is committed to working with Growers, Harvesters, Packers and Holders to provide state-wide implementation of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. 

    Email: [email protected]

    Dr. Shujuan (Lucy) Li

    Dr. Shujuan (Lucy) Li is an Associate in Extension at the University of Arizona. She is based at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, and coordinates the Public Health Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program and is also a trainer for the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Dr. Li and her team integrate food safety into the overall public health IPM program, work with collaborators and stakeholders to identify food safety education needs, and leverage grant supported projects for the protection of public health. She is PI on several projects relating to promoting IPM and food safety practices and increasing accessibility of resources among underserved communities. Dr. Li received her Doctor’s Degree in Entomology from the Department of Entomology at Purdue University in 2007. Her 27+ years of experience spans multiple fields of entomology and environmental management programs including plant protection, molecular biology, vector control, agricultural IPM, school and housing IPM, public health IPM, and food safety. 

    Email: [email protected]

    Channah Rock, PhD 

    Dr. Channah Rock is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona in the Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science and also maintains a joint appointment as a Water Quality Specialist with UA Cooperative Extension. Dr. Rock is PI on several projects relating to microbial evaluation of water quality for the protection of public health as well as promoting water reuse as a safe and practical resource for the Southwest United States. Dr. Rock is based at the Maricopa Agricultural Center and hosts a Statewide Water Quality Research and Extension Program.

    Email: [email protected]

    Danielle Runion, M.S.

    Danielle Runion, M.S. is the Program Manager for the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) at the Arizona Department of Agriculture in the Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable Division. Danielle received her Master's Degree in Soil Science from the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University (OSU) in 2018. Ms. Runion taught lectures and facilitated labs at OSU on the fundamental soil processes and properties. Her research at OSU primarily focused on improving agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions by increasing the water retention quantity in sandy soil. Currently she focuses on produce safety outreach and education while further developing the PSR Program. 

    Email: [email protected]

    Julia Canizales, MS

     

     

     

     

    Julia Canizales, MS is an Assistant in Extension Spanish Language Food Safety Associate who works for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Yuma, AZ. Ms. Canizales has over six years’ experience working in the food and agriculture industry with a Master’s Degree in Earth Sciences and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics. Her experience includes working with growers, harvesters, and cooling facilities. She has worked in sanitation, quality control and food safety for a variety of fresh produce companies in the Western United States and helped to pass LGMA and Primus Audits.  Ms. Canizales comes to the University of Arizona with previous experience not only working with growers, harvesters and cooling facilities but also training workers in food safety and product management in those sectors. She leads trainings for adults in food safety, food security and good agriculture practices. In her position at the University of Arizona Ms. Canizales is conducting outreach education for adults who work in fresh produce and is helping to educate harvest crews about food safety risks and best practices in the Spanish Language. Ms. Canizales enjoys teaching and working outdoors in agriculture and helping adults learn complex concepts that help improve food safety and protect public health. 

    Email: [email protected]

    Arizona's Spanish Language Partners

     

     

     

    Spanish Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

    Remote delivery course | Click Here for Upcoming Courses

    • Cost for Arizona Farms will be covered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
    • Contact InformationDavis Blasini, Produce Safety Alliance Spanish-Language Extension Associate 
    • Email: [email protected] 
    • Phone: 607-882-1941
    •  

    The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) was granted a five-year grant/cooperative agreement by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2016 to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule.

    Under this agreement, the AZDA is responsible for statewide training and outreach related to the Produce Safety Rule. They will conduct the necessary Produce Safety Alliance - Produce Safety Rule Grower Training.Produce Safety Rule Grower Training, and interested individuals can register for the training by clicking here. Additionally, the AZDA's training staff will offer one-on-one consultations during scheduled On-Farm Readiness Reviews to assist farms in understanding and complying with the Produce Safety Rule.

    In addition to training and outreach, the Cooperative Agreement also encompasses regulatory oversight and compliance. The Arizona Department of Agriculture has been granted legislative authority for this purpose, as Arizona farmers have chosen AZDA inspectors to ensure adherence to the rules and regulations.

    Regulation Resources:

    For a quick reference to the FSMA - Produce Safety Rule, please see the FSMA Overview.


    The seven major FSMA regulations include:
    1. Produce Safety Rule - Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, & Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
    2. Preventive Controls for Human Foods
    3. Preventive Controls for Animals
    4. Foreign Supplier Verification Programs
    5. Third Party Accreditation
    6. Mitigation of Intentional Adulteration
    7. Sanitary Transportation

     

    FSMA Produce Safety Rule Information

    Both Arizona state law and federal law have established minimum standards based on scientific principles for the growing, harvesting, packaging, and storage of fresh fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) began conducting scheduled inspections starting in 2019.

    FDA Guidance Regulation FSMA Compliance Dates

    *Produce includes fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, sprouts, tree nuts, and herbs

    To determine if your farm falls under the regulations outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, please click the following link for further clarification.

    • If your produce is exclusively intended for personal on-farm consumption, it is not subject to the federal produce safety regulations.
    • If the only produce you grow is classified by the FDA as "rarely consumed raw," it is exempt from the Rule. You can find the FDA's definition of "rarely consumed raw" by following the provided link.
    • If your farm has had an average annual food sales of less than $500,000 over the past three years, and the majority of the food is sold directly to qualified end-users, your farm may qualify for a qualified exemption.
    • If your farm has had an average annual produce sales of more than $25,000 over the past three years, it falls under the coverage of the Rule.
    • If your produce is intended for commercial processing that effectively reduces the presence of harmful microorganisms, your produce may be eligible for an exemption.

     

    Spanish On-Demand Harvester Training

    Entrenamiento de Cosecha en Español

    • Entrenamiento de Cosecha para Supervisores y el personal

    • Discusion Sobre Practicas

    • PSR Requisitos y Mejores Practicas

    • Salud e Higiene

    • Responsibilidades y Capacitacion del Supervisor de Cosecha

    • Limpieza y Saneamiento

    • Agua Utilizada Durante las Actividades de Cosecha

    training

    Audience:  All Growers, Packers, Harvesters, and Holders (Coolers) of fresh produce.

    For more information about FSMA Training, please see FDA's Strategy for FSMA Training.

    To contact FDA with FSMA questions or technical assistance, please submit to the Technical Assistance Network.

     

    Overview:

    The On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) is an assessment designed to help fruit and vegetable growers evaluate their compliance readiness with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR). It provides a confidential and non-regulatory opportunity for growers to assess their practices in relation to the PSR.

    During the OFRR, a Produce Safety Rule expert from our team will schedule a meeting with you to visit your farm, conduct a walk-through of your operations, and engage in a one-on-one discussion about your practices. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

    The primary objective of the OFRR is to identify areas of risk and improvement. We will evaluate preharvest, harvest, and post-harvest activities to determine what you are doing well and identify areas where enhancements can be made. The focus of the walk-around will be on food safety practices, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with the PSR.

    The OFRR review team will consist of a representative from the Arizona Department of Agriculture and a member of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. In some cases, we may include another team member from either organization as a training opportunity. If you wish, you can request in advance to have a representative from the Food and Drug Administration join the review, and our Produce Safety Rule expert can arrange it. The OFRR provides a valuable learning experience for everyone involved, as it explores the intersection of on-farm practices and the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule.

    Prior to the Review:

    It is required that someone from your operation has attended the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) Grower Training prior to scheduling an On-Farm Readiness Review. If you have not attended this course yet and need to register click here.  This will help you get the most out of the review and will allow us to discuss your practices as they pertain to the Produce Safety Rule. We encourage you to think through your food safety practices and be prepared to ask any questions you may have about how your practices align with the Rule. 

    To help prepare you and the review team for a successful visit, the Lead Reviewer will be calling the food safety representative to discuss a few details regarding the operation. This is an opportunity for you to let us know of any special concerns or additional information we need to know prior to our arrival. During this call, the Lead Reviewer may ask other information about your farm including: commodities grown, meeting location, biosecurity requirements, visitor policies, activities occurring on the operation, number of years in production. At this time the Lead Reviewer will also schedule the time and date of the review. 

    Day of the Review:

    Once the reviewers arrive on the farm, they will meet with the food safety representative to quickly go over the plan for the review. The schedule for the walk-through will be based on what activities are occurring that day. Below are sections which are typically observed and discussed by the OFRR team during the day of the review. If some sections are not relevant to your operation, then the reviewer will not cover this information with you, yet you will receive the OFRR Manual which does cover all sections in detail.

    Sections on the Review:

    • Worker Health and Hygiene
    • Biological Soil Amendments
    • Wildlife and Domestic Animals
    • Pre and Post-Harvest Sanitation
    • Agricultural Water

     

    The OFRR program was designed to educate the farmer on the inspection process and provide a level of comfort with the new requirements imposed by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. At the end of the review, the Reviewers will provide their top three suggestions for the farm to improve its food safety practices. Afterwards, the farmer is connected with educational materials and resources to assist with solutions to achieve compliance with FSMA. The entire review is confidential and careful consideration has been given to protecting farm information, therefore all notes will be left with you. 

    Once your has completed the On-Farm Readiness Review, click the link below to complete an anonymous survey.

    On-Farm Readiness Review Farm Satisfaction Survey

    Produce Safety Rule Inspections

     

    The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule establishes regulations and standards to ensure the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption. Inspection, compliance, and enforcement of this regulation are crucial components of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

    The inspection process involves scheduled visits by regulatory authorities, such as the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) in the case of Arizona farms. These inspections aim to assess farms' compliance with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. Inspectors review various aspects, including growing, harvesting, packing, and holding practices, to verify adherence to science-based minimum standards.

    Compliance with the regulation requires farms to implement the necessary practices and procedures outlined in the Produce Safety Rule. This involves incorporating preventive measures to minimize potential hazards and ensure the safety of produce. Farms are expected to maintain comprehensive records, conduct training for their staff, and continuously monitor their operations to meet the regulatory requirements.

    Enforcement of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule involves the application of civil penalties for non-compliance. The specific enforcement actions can vary, ranging from warning letters to corrective actions, depending on the severity of violations. It is essential for farms to understand their obligations under the regulation and actively work towards compliance to avoid potential enforcement actions.

    Overall, the inspection, compliance, and enforcement aspects of the FSMA Produce Safety Rule play a vital role in safeguarding the quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. By ensuring adherence to the regulations, these processes contribute to the protection of public health and the prevention of foodborne illnesses.

    AZDA Produce Safety Rule Inspectors

    Sade Gigante

    Sade Gigante is a Produce Safety Rule Inspector with the Arizona Department of Agriculture in the Citrus, Fruit, and Vegetable Division based out of Tucson, AZ. Originally from Jacksonville FL, Sade moved to Arizona in 2011 as a teenager and fell in love with Arizona’s diverse geography, climate, and beautiful sunsets. Sade received her B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Arizona in 2020. She has been with the department for 2 years and has had the pleasure of helping Arizona’s stakeholders with food safety related topics. Sade uses her experience to help keep consumers safe from pathogens of human concern. Her aim is to promote good agricultural practices for the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fresh produce. Sade’s passion for produce safety has only continued to grow and she strives to provide education and guidance to produce farms across Arizona. Sade is devoted to Arizona’s agricultural industries and is doing her part to improve food safety throughout the state.

     

    Bradley Zittlow 

    Bradley was born and raised in the farming community of Salinas, California where he developed a passion for agriculture. His career in the produce industry began soon after high school when he began working as a Ground Inspector performing raw produce quality inspections in the Salinas, San Juaquin, and Imperial Valleys of California as well as in Yuma, AZ. This led to a position as Quality Control with a Grower/Shipper and finally 11 years as Field Food Safety & QA Specialist with a Grower/Shipper. Bradley has been with the Arizona Department of Agriculture for over 2 years and is currently based Yuma, Arizona. He enjoys building relationships with produce farmers across the state of Arizona.

    Past Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Courses

    2020 Completed Trainings

    • January 28, 2020, Yuma, AZ 
    • February 4, 2020, Phoenix, AZ 
    • February 20,2020, Yuma, AZ - Spanish 
    • May 6th & May 7th, Remote 
    • May 20th & May 21st, Remote 
    • June 9th & June 10th, Remote 
    • June 24th & June 25th, Remote 
    • July 8th & July 9th, Remote 
    • July 29th & July 30th, Remote 
    • August 12th & August 13th, Remote 
    • August 26th & August 27th, Remote 
    • September 9th & September 10th, Remote 
    • September 29th & September 30th, Remote 
    • October 7th & October 8th, Remote 
    • October 21st & October 22nd, Remote 
    • November 12th & November 13th, Remote 
    • December 17th & December 18th, Remote 

    2021 Completed Trainings

    • January 12th & 13th, Remote
    • January 26th & 27th, Remote
    • February 9th & 10th, Remote
    • February 23rd & 24th, Remote
    • March 9th & 10th, Remote
    • April 20th & April 21st, Remote
    • May 4th & May 5th, Remote
    • May 18th & May 19th, Remote
    • June 8th & June 9th, Remote
    • June 22nd & June 23rd, Remote
    • July 6th & July 7th, Remote
    • August 3rd & August 4th, Remote
    • September 14th & September 15th, Remote
    • October 13th, Yuma, Arizona (In-Person)
    • November 9th & 10th, Remote
    • December 14th & 15th, Remote

    2022 Completed Trainings

    • January 11th & 12th, Remote
    • February 8th & 9th, Remote
    • March 15th & 16th, Remote
    • April 12th & 13th, Remote
    • May 10th & 11th, Remote
    • June 21st & 22nd, Remote
    • July 19th & 20th, Remote
    • August 23rd & 24th, Remote
    • September 20th & 21st, Remote
    • October 12th & 13th, Remote
    • November 15th & 16th, Remote
    • December 6th & 7th, Remote

    Questions?

    For more information about FSMA and the AZDA, please call 602-542-0976.

     

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