Produce Safety Rule Information

Produce Safety Rule

The FDA has established science-based minimum standards for safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and sprouts. The NDA has partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno's Desert Farming Initiative to provide training and resources to support the Produce Safety rule. You can find current training opportunities by contacting us.  Visit the FDA's Produce Safety Rule website for the full text of the rule, key requirements, available exemptions, variances, compliance dates, and supplementary guidance documents as they become available.

For more information on the Produce Safety Rule please visit:

NDA Fact Sheet

FSMA Compliance Dates

Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption

Published Date: November 15, 2015
Effective date: January 26, 2016

Below is the Compliance Date Table - Covered Activities (except Sprouts)

Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption
 Operation Size Retention of Records proving "qualified exemption" status  Labeling Requirements (if applicable)
Hobby Farm (<$25,000) Exempt - see below Exempt - see below
Very Small Farm ($25,000 - $250,000) 4 years - January 26, 2020 6 years - January 26, 2022
Small Farm ($250,000 - $500,000)      3 years - January 26, 2019 5 years - January 26, 2021     
All Others (>$500,000) 2 years - January 26, 2018 4 years - January 26, 2020

Below is the Compliance Date Table - Modified Requirements for Qualified Exempt Farms

Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption - Modified Requirements for Qualified Exempt Farms
 Operation Size Retention of Records proving "qualified exemption" status  Labeling Requirements (if applicable)
Hobby Farm (<$25,000) January 26, 2016 January 1, 2020

    Produce Covered/Not Covered

    DFI Model Compliant Farm

    The Desert Farming Initiative (DFI) began in 2013, and is a collaboration between two key groups: University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) College of Business, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources and UNR Cooperative Extension. DFI operates at two sites in Reno on 920 Valley Road and 5895 Clean Water Way, and is composed of heated greenhouses, hoop houses, and a commercial wash station.