AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new regulations regarding preharvest water safety requirements for covered produce nationwide. These updated rules are outlined in the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PRS).

How do these requirements impact Alabama fruit and vegetable producers? Camila Rodrigues, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist in horticulture and food safety, is available to help producers navigate the new agricultural water requirements in the PRS.

Effects on Alabama Producers

Under the new assessment, farming operations must evaluate several factors. These include agricultural water systems and practices, crop characteristics, environmental conditions and other relevant considerations. These elements influence daily operations for Alabama growers. Rodrigues is also an assistant professor in Auburn University’s Department of Horticulture. She said farms inspected by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will have some changes to make in order to comply with the new FDA preharvest water rules.

“The water assessment is based on inspection, maintenance and more,” Rodrigues said. “This new rule replaces water testing in the PRS. While water testing is now optional, it is highly recommended to implement water assessments. Extension is here, and we are happy to assist you in navigating these changes and taking measures to help you maintain compliance.”

Equipping Fruit and Vegetable Growers

The Alabama Extension Ag Water Safety Program provides educational and hands-on assistance to help producers comply with the new regulations. The program offers free microbial water testing to make the process easier for farmers, thanks to funding by the ADAI Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The Ag Water Safety Program also provides technical and educational support services to help growers keep their water records up to date and meet regulatory requirements.

Under the previous regulations, only water testing was required. However, the updated rules mandate that producers determine an alternative water source if their current supply is found to be unsanitary or hazardous.

“They have made all these changes because water is a major contributor to produce contamination, especially water applied in the field,” Rodrigues said. “Many past outbreaks, like the salmonella onion outbreak three years ago, were more than likely been caused by water contamination.”

Implementation Assistance

Producers must implement the FDA’s preharvest agricultural water rule by the compliance date set for their respective farm size. These dates are April 7, 2025 (large farms), April 6, 2026 (small farms) and April 5, 2027 (very small farms).

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial and technical assistance to help producers with water and land management changes. For example, NRCS may award grants for installing fences or new water sources, like an on-site well or pond for preharvest water use. NRCS also assists growers by installing drip irrigation systems on their farms, which can reduce risks of contamination through water.

Through the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Rodrigues is currently evaluating the impact of land use on water sources. Her research at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland looks to help farmers identify potential water supply risks.

More Information

To make the transition easier for growers, there is more information available at www.fda.gov that explains the specific requirements. Charts with detailed instructions outline the rules for each new addition to the regulation. Contact Rodrigues with questions or concerns regarding the FDA FSMA Produce Safety Rule.