Economic Strategies in the New World of Food Safety

While many interpretations of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) are still in process, it is clear that small farmers will bear an undue burden of cost and scrutiny if they choose to sell produce beyond their farm site and beyond small farmers markets. While food safety is the practice of every responsible farmer, FSMA presents challenges to small farm independence and economically sustainable small farm business. We'll discuss how FSMA defines compliance based upon where and how much farmers sell; farmers’ choices for compliance under FSMA; and tools and resources to survive under the new regulations. We’ll look at the relationship between food safety and small farming, and how growers are being strategic and creative about growing for the future.