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FDA Releases FAQs Regarding FSMA Agricultural Water Rules

In light of future compliance dates for pre-harvest agricultural water requirements for the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rules, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to assist producers. 

The compliance dates are as follows:

  • Large farms (average annual produce sales greater than $500,000) — April 7, 2025
  • Small farms (average annual produce sales above $250,000 and up to $500,000) — April 6, 2026
  • Very small farms (average annual produce sales above $25,000 and up to $250,000)

The in-depth FAQ document provides helpful information concerning:

  • What constitutes “agricultural water” for the purposes of the FSMA
  • Inspection and maintenance of agricultural water systems
  • Pre-harvest agricultural water assessments
  • Harvest and post-harvest agricultural water requirements
  • Corrective and mitigation measures
  • Agricultural water treatment

The FDA also has a list of virtual Produce Safety Alliance grower training courses available online. Growers can schedule a free on-farm readiness review as well. Technical assistance is also available for operations that qualify as very small farms