Farming

AgWater Safety Program
  • April 26, 2022
  • Posted by: Camila Rodrigues
  • in Farming
  •   Print

1 min read

The AgWater Safety program, part of the Alabama Beginning Farmer program, is focused on providing educational assistance and free microbial water testing to support fresh produce growers navigating through the new water requirements in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR). The release of the new proposed agricultural rule for water that is used during preharvest activities means growers will need additional educational support to understand and implement these new regulatory requirements on their operation.

Objectives

  • Free microbial water testing (total coliform and generic E. coli) for fresh produce growers, especially during the growing season.
  • 101 technical support and educational assistance to fresh produce growers.
  • Educational materials and tools to assist growers navigate through the new PSR water requirements.

How to Participate

This program is designed for fresh produce growers in Alabama who use pond water or well water for fruit and vegetable production. Interested producers should first complete the screening survey. A team member will then contact the producer to provide more information on how to participate and benefit from this program. Contact a team member or a commercial horticulture or food safety and quality regional Extension agent with questions.

Take the AgWater Safety program screening survey.

Resources

Team Members

Camila Rodrigues – Program Coordinator

Luke Roy

Anita Kelly

Rebecca Catalena

Kristin Woods

Project Funding

This project is funded by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries – Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.