Use these Handy Tools to see if you are exempt or covered by the Produce Safety Rule?

As a small grower, you may be wondering if you are exempt from the produce safety rule or not. That is a valid question. We have provided a couple simple tools to determine if you are exempt or if you are covered by the rule. However….

Some things to consider if you fall under the exemption…

  • Just because a small or very small farm is exempt or excluded from FSMA rules doesn’t mean its buyers won’t require compliance. Having a produce safety plan is a wise decision for all produce growers. 
  • Even if you are exempt from the Produce Safety Rule, having a produce safety plan helps you as a grower to stay proactive and organized.
  • People are still eating your produce. Having a food safety plan will give you the satisfaction and confidence that you are doing all you can to provide healthy, safe produce?
  • Even if you qualify for an exemption, you are still required to keep some documentation and modified requirements.

But you may be thinking…

I’m a small farmer and I am exempt from the rule. Why should I need a plan or worry about the produce safety rule?

Great question! As an answer, here is a terrific quote from Elizabeth Bihn, PHD, Director of the Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University.

“Growers should be prepared and understand the things that influence their industry, even if they themselves are not subject to it. And the reason for that is that food safety impacts them all. It may not impact them all by being subject to a regulation, but it definitely impacts them because the safety of their product is critical to their success and to the economic success of their farm. In addition, buyers have requirements related to food safety and we are seeing some alignment with buyer requirements and the things we see in the regulation.”

Now…Use these handy tools to check if you are exempt or not.

1. Use this HANDY TOOL created by the Colorado State University – OR

2. Follow the Flowchart below to determine if you are covered under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.

3. For more information on the FSMA exemptions, CLICK HERE.