Food-Safety Expense Assistance Expanded for Specialty Crop Growers

USDA announced that it is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. 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. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses through January 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be January 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026.