Farm operators need to note ag water inspection requirements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Produce Safety Rule has ended harvest and post-harvest agricultural water enforcement discretion for both large and small farms who use water during or after produce harvest. The Colorado Department of Agriculture staff inspects farms to ensure compliance with subpart E of the Produce Safety Rule, which sets standards for how to test, treat and monitor the water used during the harvest and post-harvest activities, such as harvesting, packing, holding and transporting of the produce.

FDA allowed enforcement discretion until January 26, 2023, when a phased-in approach to enforcement began. Starting in 2024, both large and small farms are required to comply with the ag water portion of the Produce Safety Rule. This means during the 2024 growing season, CDA inspectors will take an “educate while we regulate” approach.