Michigan Farmer's Safe Food Risk Assessment Program

What is the Safe Food Risk Assessment Program (Michigan's Safe Food A Syst)?
Michigan's Safe Food Risk Assessment Program is designed to address the important priority of food safety for Michigan residents, and specifically to address the Michigan Agriculture Commission's interest "to ensure food safety of the emerging small farm/locally grown food community."

Of the estimated 6,500 Michigan fruit and vegetable producers who market directly to consumers, less than five percent participated in a formal USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)  audit in 2010.  The Safe Food Risk Assessment  is aligned with USDA GAP requirements, but is small farm scale-appropriate to encourage more farmer adoption of cost-effective food safety management practices that can be implemented and maintained by those producers not currently seeking a certified food safety audit.  Click here to link to Michigan's Safe Food Risk Assessment (Safe Food A Syst).

Who Should Use the Safe Food A Syst?
This program is especially designed to educate producers, evaluate on-farm practices, provide food safety technical assistance and recognize small/locally grown fruit and vegetable growers who follow safe food practices.  A certificate of completion is awarded when a participating grower implements an action plan to correct potential food safety risks identified on the farm.

The program enhances grower awareness and adoption of safe food management practices, as well as improves their competitiveness in the marketplace.

Is Technical Assistance Available to Complete the Safe Food A Syst?
The voluntary program is delivered by trained conservation district technicians.  Click here for locations and contact information.

Where Can I Find Additional Help with my Questions?
Contact Dr. Allen Krizek, MAEAP Educational Coordinator at 517-284-5610 or krizeka@michigan.gov.