Produce Safety Technician - Providing Support for Community Health & Grower Success

The world of produce safety can be challenging and complex as growers attempt to understand their role in a constantly changing landscape of legislation and scientific research. Especially when paired with the high demand of daily farm operations.

Fortunately, growers in Michigan have access to free and confidential technical support from their local Produce Safety Technician, who can help simplify these produce safety challenges. The Grand Traverse Conservation District is home to one of six Produce Safety Technicians in the state of Michigan who are staffed to help you work through any produce safety challenges you may encounter - regardless of farm size, income, or market reach.

Produce Safety Technicians are responsible for providing you with all the information and resources you need to succeed in maintaining the safety of your growing operation and to ensure our communities' access to healthy and safe Michigan produce.

  • The Produce Safety Program is a statewide effort delivered in partnership between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MSU Extension, and local Conservation Districts to provide institutional support for implementation of the National Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule. This piece of legislation aims to prevent microbial contamination and food-borne illness in fresh produce by creating scientifically based minimum standards for produce growing, harvesting, handling, packing, and storage. All three of these entities work together to make up the Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety Team, which is oriented to deliver institutional support to address produce safety challenges.

    • Provide technical on-farm support

    • Conduct Produce Safety Risk Assessment

    • Assistance in developing farm food safety plans, SOP’s, and farm documentation

    • Assistance in legislation digestion and comprehension

    • Educational resources and information

  • Any produce grower, regardless of size, income, market reach, or coverage status by the Produce Safety Rule, can receive free and confidential assistance from a Produce Safety Technician to address their operation-specific produce safety needs.

  • Contact your local Produce Safety Technician at the Grand Traverse Conservation District, Nick Panicola.