Success StoryFree On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR) of Kentucky Produce Farms for FSMA-PSR Preparedness



Free On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR) of Kentucky Produce Farms for FSMA-PSR Preparedness

Author: Paul Vijayakumar

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

The OFRR (On-farm readiness review) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize farmers with FMA-PSR (Food safety modernization act produce safety rule) requirements and highlight areas where their current practices may need attention. The goal is to provide individual farms with OFRR created tools that can help to assess their preparedness for the implementation of a new federal rule. The PSR became effective on January 26, 2016. The initial compliance dates were/are January 26, 2018 for large farms; January 28, 2019, for small farms; and January 27, 2020, for very small farms. FDA recognized that the PSR is a new regulation and that each farmer has a different level of familiarity and preparedness for the PSR. The OFRR provides an opportunity for farmers, at any level of preparedness, to get individual feedback on their readiness for compliance with the PSR before they receive their first inspection. As a prerequisite for OFRR, farmers should complete the PSA Grower Training, which provides a foundation in produce safety, the PSR, and Good Agricultural Practices.  Course attendance will enable a productive discussion about on-farm observations during the OFRR. A team comprised of OFRR trained UK Extension personnel, the local Cooperative Extension Agent, and a representative from KDA conduct the voluntary, confidential review. The role of the OFFR teams is to educate and help to facilitate voluntary compliance with the requirements of the new rule. From July 2020 until June 2021, OFRRs were conducted in 20 different farms in Kentucky. Growers benefited from learning about food safety gaps in their farms, and how to fix them to comply with the new federal FSMA-PSR. 






Stories by Paul Vijayakumar


Free On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR) of Kentucky Produce Farms for FSMA-PSR Preparedness

about 3 years ago by Paul Vijayakumar

The OFRR (On-farm readiness review) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize farmers with FMA-P... Read More


Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training

about 3 years ago by Paul Vijayakumar

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)is a federal law transforming the nations food safety sy... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Udderly Amazing State Virtual Dairy Club

about 3 years ago by Larissa Tucker

With COVID-19 restrictions still in place it was decided to help youth and volunteers to keep their ... Read More


4-H Country Ham; COVID

about 3 years ago by Gregg Rentfrow

The pandemic canceled or changed 4-H activities in 2020. The 4-H Country Ham Committee wanted to mak... Read More


Stories by Local Food Systems


Gorilla Social Media Marketing

Gorilla Social Media Marketing

about 3 years ago by Lindie Huffman

As Kentucky was faced with quarantine and lock-downs, residents became even more reliant on social m... Read More


Farm To Fridge Event

Farm To Fridge Event

about 3 years ago by Benjamin Conner

Based on population estimates for July 1, 2019, Scott County has a population of 57,004. This is an ... Read More