“Farms growing covered produce are ranked according to risk factors using an FDA program, and inspections are scheduled, typically on a three- to five-year rotating basis,” Kleinguenther said. “There are exemptions for Micro Exempt and Qualified Exempt farms.”
NJDA PSR inspectors are required to maintain their FDA commission and credentials and stay up to date with FDA courses and other relevant training. Following a PSR inspection, all significant farm food-safety observations are documented, and the Produce Farm Inspection Observation Report is submitted to FDA.
“Depending on the food-safety risk, a follow up inspection may be scheduled to ensure that the appropriate corrective actions have been taken,” Kleinguenther said.
The NJDA also collaborates with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to provide food-safety training.
“We provide at least one FDA credentialed inspector for food-safety training classes, in person or online, to answer any questions that our industry partners may have,” Kleinguenther said. “FDA funding helps support the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training, which is required for at least one individual from each covered farm.”
Then, the NJDA provides feedback to Rutgers as to the types of observations seen on farms and what topics to stress during training and outreach. This reinforcement of principles has resulted in marked improvement, as seen on routine inspections in New Jersey.
Rutgers also conducts GAP, Harmonized GAP+ Audit Training, and specialized training for blueberry growers.
“We also collaborate with Wegmans for their food-safety training classes,” Kleinguenther said. “Additionally, we have created a produce-safety website, created a food-safety packing line video, presented annual update presentations at the NJ State Agricultural Convention, and provided supplementary educational materials such as for the finalized water rule.”
The NJDA continues to work with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to provide On-Farm Readiness Reviews. This is a free and confidential farm food-safety consultation with a Rutgers extension agent and an FDA credentialed inspector.
“We work with the growers to help them understand how produce safety can be implemented on their farm,” Kleinguenther said. “We also provide an OFRR resource manual, which details the text of the regulation, possible activities that may lead to compliance, and explains how an inspector would evaluate the regulation. Initially, many of our larger covered farms participated in the OFRR Program and provided positive feedback.”
General comments included that it simplified the regulatory text into common language and helped with understanding the difference between an inspection and an audit.
The program is still available to any farm growing covered produce and can be especially helpful in providing education and outreach to the smaller farms that are exempt from the inspection program.
The Jersey Fresh program includes marketing and promotion, as well as a quality-grading program.
“Growers must submit an application, list the commodities they want to register and pay a nominal fee to participate,” Kleinguenther said. “Produce must meet the federal guidelines for U.S. Grade 1 or higher and growers can only use the Jersey Fresh logo for produce that meet USDA standards.”
Jersey Fresh inspectors will visit each of these farms to check records and grade produce. Growers can order promotional materials with the Jersey Fresh logo, such as banners, twist ties, price cards and apparel. The Find Jersey Fresh website features growers, retail partners, agritourism, what’s in season, chefs and recipes, and the Homegrown by Heroes marketing/branding program for farmer veterans.
The NJDA also conducts third-party audits, including USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GHP), and Harmonized (GAP+) audits for produce farms and facilities.
“We will continue to develop programs and resources on traceability to inform our growers and maintain the supply of high-quality produce that our consumers have come to expect,” Kleinguenther said.
