Delaware growers can apply for food safety audit funding

Delaware fruit and vegetable growers can now receive financial support in obtaining a third-party audit to verify they are following effective food safety practices. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is extending its Food Safety Audit Cost-Share Program for growers to include any third-party food safety audit, not just USDA Harmonized GAP audits. With an additional $20,000 for farmers to use to offset required audit costs, the DDA wants to make sure producers are prepared for the Food Safety Modernization Act and the Produce Safety Rule.

"Throughout the past two years, we have found fewer buyers requesting produce growers to participate in the Harmonized GAP audits that USDA provides," said Andrea Jackson, DDA food products inspection administrator. "More farmers are being required to participate in audits such as Global Food Safety Initiative schemes. Any of these audits are important in helping farmers recognize preventative measures for food safety. So we want to be more inclusive of these third-party audits in our cost-share program."

Food safety audits verify that fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled and stored in the safest manner possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards. The Delaware Department of Agriculture's Food Products Inspection Section will pay 80 percent of the cost of a USDA AMS or commercial third-party food safety audit with a maximum reimbursement of $1,000 per year. In order to be eligible, producers must successfully complete a third-party USDA AMS or commercial audit this year, prior to Friday, Sept. 29.

Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but Delaware growers must fully complete the necessary application and forms, and be able to show verification of successful audit completion, billing and proof of payment. For more information, contact Andrea Jackson at 302-698-4545 or Andrea.Jackson@state.de.us.