Produce grower registration deadline extended to June 30

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the deadline for produce growers to register their farms with the Delaware Department of Agriculture has been extended to Tuesday, June 30.

The Food Product Inspection Section has enforcement responsibility for the Produce Safety Rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The rule focuses on regulatory standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fruits and vegetables, in an effort to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

In order to determine if a farm is subject to the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, DDA requires registration of all farms within Delaware that grow produce.

To register, go to www.de.gov/producesafety. Once DDA receives registrations, staff will contact producers to verify whether the facilities are covered by the Produce Safety Rule or considered exempt.

More information on the Produce Safety Rule, including educational videos, outreach resources and recordkeeping templates, is available at www.de.gov/producesafety. For more assistance with registration, email DE.ProduceSafety@delaware.gov.