Crop Production
The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program continues to provide financial support to specialty crop operations that incur on-farm food safety program expenses. Administered by the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), this program helps offset the costs associated with obtaining or renewing food safety certifications.
Program Overview
The FSCSC Program is designed to assist specialty crop operations that meet the definition of a small- or medium-sized business and are located in the United States or its territories. The program reimburses a portion of the expenses related to food safety certification efforts.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the FSCSC Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a specialty crop operation.
- Have obtained or renewed a food safety certification:
- For the 2024 program year, certification must be issued between June 26, 2024, and December 31, 2024.
- For the 2025 program year, certification must be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
- Have paid eligible expenses.
- Meet the definition of a small- or medium-sized business.
- Be located in the United States or its territories.
Application Periods
- 2024 Certifications: July 1, 2024 — January 31, 2025.
- 2025 Certifications: January 1, 2025 — January 31, 2026.
Eligible Expenses
Reimbursable expenses are outlined in the following table. Operations participating in a group certification model under a food safety management system may also be reimbursed for their share of eligible group expenses, in addition to any individual expenses incurred.
Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program Eligible Expenses
| Expense Category | Reimbursement Rate | Maximum Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Development of a Food Safety Plan (First-Time Certification) | 75% | No Maximum |
| Maintaining or Updating an Existing Food Safety Plan | 75% | Up to $675 |
| Food Safety Certification | 75% | Up to $2,000 |
| Certification Upload Fees | 75% | Up to $375 |
| Microbiological Testing (Products) | 75% | Up to Five Tests |
| Microbiological Testing (Soil Amendments) | 75% | Up to Five Tests |
| Microbiological Testing (Water) | 75% | Up to Five Tests |
| Training | 100% | Up to $500 |
Ineligible Expenses
The program does not cover infrastructure improvements, equipment, supplies, salaries and benefits, or late payment fees and penalties.
How to Apply
Eligible operations must complete and submit the FSA-888-1 application form to their local FSA office. A complete application includes all required documentation, which can be downloaded farmers.gov/food-safety. For more information, contact your local FSA office or visit the FSCSC Program page.