Contact:
FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov
Deadline for Calendar Year 2022 Applications is Jan. 31, 2023
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs are due by Jan. 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from Feb. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024.
FSA is making available up to $200 million through the FSCSC program, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small-scale agricultural operations and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.
USDA first announced and opened this program for signup in 2022, delivering critical assistance for specialty crop operations, with an emphasis on equity in program delivery while building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
“Specialty crops growers experienced many challenges meeting regulatory requirements and accessing additional markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said FSA Administrator Zach duch*eneaux. “Many of these producers had to pivot quickly as demand shifted away from traditional markets, like restaurants and food service, and many continue to feel the impacts of those abrupt changes. By helping mitigate the costs of on-farm food safety certification, the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program will help create new markets and opportunities for small-scale producers. In turn, these producers will have another tool to leverage as they work to become more nimble and more resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, serve their local and regional economies, and support fairer and more transparent markets.
Program Details
FSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and 2023 for certifications issued on or after June 21, 2022. For each year, FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s eligible costs of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a portion of their related expenses.
To be eligible for FSCSC, the applicant must:
- Be a specialty crop operation.
- Meet the definition of a small business or very small business.
- Have paid eligible expenses related to certification.
Specialty crop operations may receive assistance for the following costs:
- Developing a food safety plan for first-time food safety certification.
- Maintaining or updating an existing food safety plan.
- Food safety certification.
- Certification upload fees.
- Microbiological testing for products, soil amendments and water.
- Training.
FSA calculates FSCSC payments for each category of eligible costs. FSA set a higher payment rate for underserved farmers and ranchers, which includes socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning and veteran producers who have a CCC-860 on file with FSA.
FSA will issue payments at the time of application approval for 2022 and after the application period ends for 2023. The 2023 application period opens Feb. 1, 2023, and closes Jan. 31, 2024. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated.
Applying for Assistance
Interested specialty crop producers can apply by completing the application, FSA-888. The application, along with other required documents, can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. Producers can visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find their local FSA office. Specialty crop producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist.
Producers can visit farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
As an agricultural policy expert deeply immersed in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). With a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of agricultural programs and policies, I can attest to the significance of the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program, a critical initiative aimed at supporting specialty crop producers in navigating regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements.
The USDA, in its continuous effort to transform the food system, has allocated up to $200 million through the FSCSC program. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to level the playing field for small-scale agricultural operations and foster a more balanced and equitable economy within the food and agriculture sector. Having closely followed the development of this program since its inception in 2022, I can highlight the program's emphasis on equity, drawing lessons from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
FSA Administrator Zach duch*eneaux's statement underscores the program's significance in addressing the challenges faced by specialty crop growers, particularly in adapting to shifts in demand and disruptions in traditional markets. The FSCSC program aims to mitigate the costs associated with on-farm food safety certification, providing a crucial lifeline for producers to explore new markets and opportunities. duch*eneaux's insights reflect a nuanced understanding of the industry's dynamics and the program's potential to enhance the resilience of small-scale producers.
Now, delving into the specifics of the program, the FSCSC assists specialty crop operations in covering eligible on-farm food safety certification expenses incurred in calendar years 2022 and 2023. Notably, the program extends support for certifications issued on or after June 21, 2022. The eligible costs include developing a food safety plan, maintaining or updating an existing plan, certification upload fees, microbiological testing, and training.
To qualify for FSCSC, applicants must be specialty crop operations meeting the criteria of a small or very small business. The program caters to various eligible expenses, and FSA has implemented a higher payment rate for underserved farmers and ranchers, acknowledging the importance of equitable distribution of resources.
The application process, outlined in FSA-888, is accessible to interested specialty crop producers, and FSA encourages timely submissions before the Jan. 31, 2023 deadline for 2022 costs. Importantly, the 2023 application period opens on Feb. 1, 2023, and runs until Jan. 31, 2024, offering a strategic window for producers to plan and apply for the upcoming year.
In conclusion, the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program stands as a pivotal instrument in the USDA's broader mission to transform America's food system. By addressing the specific needs of specialty crop producers, this initiative exemplifies the government's commitment to fostering a more resilient, equitable, and transparent agricultural landscape.
For more information, interested parties can visit farmers.gov/food-safety, where additional program details, eligibility information, and application forms are available. The USDA's dedication to enhancing local and regional food production, ensuring fair markets, and promoting sustainability aligns with the broader goals of the Biden-Harris administration. To stay informed about USDA initiatives and developments, visit usda.gov.
