By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is reminding growers that an updated requirement under the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule took effect for small farms on April 6, 2026.
The revision requires covered farms to complete a pre-harvest agricultural water assessment to identify potential food safety risks and guide management decisions.
“The Produce Safety Rule provides our growers with a comprehensive, preventative approach to food safety on the farm. Our growers take great care in producing food the right way and already implement many of these food safety practices, whether it be through participation in the voluntary NYS Grown & Certified program or the USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices programs," Commissioner Ball said.
"And, while the Department has long been working with our New York farms that need to meet these requirements, we want to remind them of this new effective date and that we are here to help them as needed.”
The new requirement asks farms to evaluate factors such as the source and quality of water, the distribution system, protection from contamination, application methods, and the timing between water use and harvest. Testing and other risk indicators are also part of the assessment process.
“There is a free on-demand video training for growers who need information about the new agricultural water assessment requirements and we have been conducting new trainings throughout New York State to help growers learn how to minimize risks in their agricultural water,” Dr. Betsy Bihn of the Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University, said.
The Produce Safety Rule sets standards for produce that is typically consumed raw, including apples, lettuce, carrots, onions, and tomatoes, while excluding items rarely eaten raw or grown for personal use.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zms
Categories: New York, Government & Policy, Harvesting