1. Food Safety & Conservation Helping producers to think outside the produce box
Kelly Hedgepeth
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Soil and Water

2. Why? 1 in 4 Americans report a food born illness annually
75% of emerging infections diseases are tied to food production (World Heath Organization)
Approximately 200 food recalls are issued annually in the US
Attention to food safety begins on the farm and ends at the fork

3. NC Food Safety & Defense Task Force
Multi-agency, multi-stakeholder partnership designed to improve the protection of the food supply in North Carolina
NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force

4. How did Soil and Water get involved?
NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Natural Environment Committee
Created and Action item that requested conservation districts be educated and trained in FSMA
The Division of Soil and Water became a member of the NC Fresh Produce Safety Task Force

5. Cost Share Programs and Rule Compliance
Cross referenced BMPs
Excel reference document
Technical Assistance & education
Understanding the rules and how districts can provide good customer service when doing conservation planning
safety-rule-growers-training/

7. Providing Good Customer Service
Recognizing food safety issues on the farm
Knowing who to call for help
Consider food safety in the conservation plan and planned BMPs
Watershed Risk Assessments
Are there needed BMPs upstream?

8. Questions Kelly Hedgepeth
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Division of Soil and Water