West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Cooperative Agreement Program to Implement a National Produce Safety Program
PAR-21-174
Summary / Abstract
To minimize human illnesses and deaths related to the consumption of contaminated produce,
the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) will continue to implement and enhance
state compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act
(FSMA). The Produce Safety Rule, 21 CFR Part 112, establishes standards for the Growing,
Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption. We propose the WVDA,
in conjunction with West Virginia State University Extension (WVSU) and West Virginia
University (WVU), will work together to integrate and implement a produce safety program for
the state of West Virginia.
The WVDA will follow Program Path B and conduct produce safety inspections under the FDA’s
authority. West Virginia currently does not have sprout growers that are covered, however,
should a grower become covered, WVDA will complete all necessary training and conduct
sprout inspections. The WVDA will complete program objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7. This will
include activities related to the assessment and planning of the program; statewide produce
program administration; education, outreach, and technical assistance; state farm inventory; an
inspectional program; a compliance and enforcement program; and response to produce related
activities.
The WVDA will partner with two agencies to ensure adequate training and outreach may be
provided to growers in West Virginia. The WVDA will provide subawards to WVSU Extension
and WVU Extension which shall provide staff to complete Produce Safety Alliance (PSA)
trainings, a lead trainer for the PSA curriculum, write produce safety related articles for
agricultural publications, and host West Virginia Food Safety Training Team meetings. West
Virginia University Extension will additionally provide staff to complete On Farm Readiness
Reviews (OFRRs) and Writing your Farm Food Safety Plan training courses.
West Virginia has the demonstrated infrastructure and experienced personnel to complete the
objectives outlined in this proposal. The activities will enhance the produce safety program of
the state and support the coordinated efforts toward a national integrated food safety system.
