The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is expanding funding opportunities for specialty crop growers. The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program will now include both medium-size and small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.
The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply now for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses.
FSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety. FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing its certification, as well as a portion of related expenses.
Interested applicants have until Jan. 31, 2025, to apply for assistance for 2024 eligible expenses. FSA will issue payments as applications are processed and approved. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
Contact your local USDA Service Center to learn more or visit farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.