Produce Safety Program

Mission Statement of the Montana Produce Safety Program

To build a collaborative infrastructure to support Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Rule (PSR) compliant training, education, outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement as it relates to Montana’s produce industry.

Food Safety Modernization Act

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA, often pronounced "fizz-ma") was signed into law on January 4, 2011.  FSMA authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take a preventative approach to food safety.

There are seven rules included within FSMA. The Produce Safety Rule is one of these Rules and was finalized in 2015.  The Produce Safety Rule sets food safety standards for farms in an effort to minimize the risks of microbiological contamination that may occur during the growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fresh produce. The key elements to the Produce Safety Rule and additional resources are listed below.  For more information, attend one of the PSA Grower Training courses.

Click on the button below to complete the Farm Status Determination form.

Completing this form will help you determine what your Produce Safety Rule status is and will allow you to apply for an exemption, if eligible. Farms must verify their Produce Safety Rule status annually to qualify for an exemption or qualified exemption.

Farm Status Determination