Written by Claire Murphy, School of Food Science, WSU Integrated Agriculture Research and Extension Center. June 30th, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced expanded funding opportunities for specialty crop growers within the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for 2024 and 2025. Eligible producers can apply for assistance with expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The expanded funding increases the number of growers who can qualify and the amount of funds available. Specialty crop growers in Washington are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Program Eligibility
- Eligible applicants must:
- Be a specialty crop operation.
- Meet the definition of a small or medium-sized business:
- A small business sells on average annually, specialty crops with a monetary value not exceeding $500,000 during the three-year period before the program year.
- A medium-sized business sells on average annually, specialty crops with a monetary value ranging from $500,001 to $1,000,000 during the three-year period before the program year.
- have paid eligible expenses related to certification.
What the FSCSC can provide financial assistance for
- Developing a food safety plan for first the time
- Maintaining or updating an existing food safety plan
- Food safety certification
- Certification upload fees
- Microbiological testing for products, soil amendments, and water
- Employee training
How to apply
Interested applicants have until January 31, 2025, to apply for assistance for 2024 expenses. For 2025 expenses, the application period will be from January 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. For more details, visit the USDA’s official announcement here.
For upcoming Food Safety Trainings offered by WSU, visit: https://foodsafety.wsu.edu/training-programs/
Contact
Claire Murphy
School of Food Science, WSU Integrated Agriculture Research and Extension Center
claire.murphy@wsu.edu
509-786-9201
