Path C Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Produce Program Development

Project Summary/Abstract Project Title: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Produce Program Development - PATH C The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) will continue development of the Vermont Produce Program for the purpose of furthering implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption in our jurisdiction. The project is a continuation of work begun under a previous five-year cooperative agreement program (CAP) partnership with FDA to establish a produce safety regulatory program in our jurisdiction. The Produce Program’s overall purpose is to enhance produce safety and protect public health by providing education, outreach, and technical assistance to all Vermont produce farms with produce sales and by achieving and sustaining high rates of compliance with the Produce Safety Rule among farms covered by the Rule. The Program’s Project Plan identifies key objectives, timelines, and responsibilities for achieving these goals. The Vermont Produce Program has a proven track record of achieving program targets and serving as a collaborative partner with FDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the Association of Food & Drug Officials (AFDO), Extension, and industry groups to enhance produce safety and national consistency. During the initial five-year CAP, the Program developed the foundational resources, systems, staff, jurisdictional authority, and protocols to implement and continue a successful program. VAAFM has adopted FDA’s Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 112) in its entirety and conducts inspections, compliance, and enforcement activities under state authority provided by 6 V.S.A. Chapter 66: Produce Inspection (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/06/066) and 6 V.S.A. § 21 (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/06/001/00021).