Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Project Summary/Abstract Project Title: Establishing a Produce Safety Program in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) to Enhance Produce Safety and Promote Compliance with the FDA Produce Safety Rule (PSR). Project Description: This proposal outlines the NCDA&CS plan to establish a Produce Safety Program that includes industry and regulator outreach, education, and technical assistance to industry and regulators; in addition to inspection, compliance and enforcement components. This proposal will detail the collaborations and processes to accomplish goals under Competitions A and B of this funding announcement (PAR -16 - 137). Project Goals: Establish a Produce Safety Program that encourages the safe production of fresh fruits and vegetables, fosters industry understanding of regulatory requirements, and promotes compliance with the requirements of the PSR. Project Objectives: 1. Complete an assessment to evaluate NC produce landscape and a self- assessment of available resources to determine produce safety program size and scope. 2. Establish a mechanism to develop and maintain an inventory of farms subject to the PSR. 3. Invest in NCDA&CS infrastructure. 4. Evaluate existing statutory and/or regulatory authority. 5. Provide education, outreach, and technical assistance to the farming community and regulators. 6. Design and implement an inspection, compliance and enforcement program. 7. Develop a multi-year strategy to achieve ongoing programmatic objectives. Expected Outcomes: The development of a Produce Safety Program that utilizes partnerships to leverage the expertise and knowledge of NCDA&CS, FDA, and collaborators such as North Carolina State University to enhance industry compliance with the rule. Budget: Total 5 year budget for Tier 3 Program: $5,310,000
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
