South Carolina launches three-year produce safety exemption cycle

USAgNet - 01/17/2024

Starting January 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) has implemented a significant change for the state's farmers. The Produce Safety Rule exemption, part of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), is now transitioning to a more convenient three-year application cycle.

This move is designed to ease the burden on farmers, reducing the frequency of applications and simplifying compliance.

Previously, farms were required to apply annually for their exemption. With the new cycle, once a farm is approved in January 2024, the next application will not be due until January 2027. This change provides a more efficient and less time-consuming process for farmers, who can now focus more on their farming activities rather than paperwork.

The Produce Safety Rule sets federal regulatory standards for the production, harvest, and handling of fruits and vegetables. It aims to prevent microbial contamination and reduce foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce.

Farms can be exempt from this rule based on certain criteria, including the types of commodities grown, average annual produce sales, and processing activities that involve a "kill step."

Although the application process is now less frequent, farmers are still required to annually review their exemption status. If a farm's status changes and it no longer qualifies for exemption, the SCDA requests to be informed promptly.

Farmers unsure of their current exemption status can visit the SCDA's exemption website for more information. This new three-year cycle is a welcome change for South Carolina's agricultural community, providing a more streamlined approach to meeting federal safety standards.

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