Path C CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS PRODUCE SAFETY PROGRAM UNDER PATH C THAT WILL ENHANCE ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY

PROJECT SUMMARY Project Title: Continuing Development of a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Produce Safety Program Under Path C that will Enhance On-Farm Food Safety. Project Description: To implement a produce safety regulatory program in New York State that will promote on-farm food safety to address growing, harvesting, packing and holding of produce on New York State farms. The Produce Safety Program will also encourage high rates of compliance with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule. This project will be a collaborative effort between FDA, the New York State Department of Agriculture (Department) and Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Department will follow Program Path C, as outlined in FOA PAR-21-174. The Department inspection and enforcement authority is confirmed by state law 1 CRR-NY 273.1 that adopts 21 CFR Part 112 except for subparts E, P, Q and R. Subpart E will be adopted when rulemaking on this subpart is complete. Department compliance authority is found in Article_3 . The Department currently conducts sprout inspections under the authority of NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Article 20-C. Project Goals: The Department Produce Safety Program will utilize federal funding to enhance or establish the following program objectives under Path C as identified in the FOA: The Project Goals include: Program Documentation that will include the assessment and planning essential to program development. The project plan will facilitate alignment of the Department’s regulatory program and activities with FDA and other partners; Program Administration including the enhancement and continued development of the New York State Produce Safety Program and the Produce Safety regulatory framework; Provide opportunities for outreach, education and technical assistance on the Produce Safety Rule and New York State Produce Safety Program to produce farms; Establish a complete and accurate inventory of produce farms which can be used to implement corresponding CAP objectives. Expected Outcomes: We believe that the partnerships and plans that will emerge from this project will create a federal-state relationship that will leverage the existing expertise, knowledge and resources of the Department, Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension. This collaboration will result in increased implementation of on-farm food safety practices, reduce the risk of serious adverse health consequences or death from consumption of contaminated New York State produce and provide uniform Produce Safety Rule inspections. On-farm inspections will verify understanding of and compliance with the Produce Safety Rule. This project will conform to the CAP objectives and support a national Integrated Food Safety System.