Food Safety Plan Template

Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

No one is crazy about taking the time to write things down. However, writing a food safety plan for your farm will help you implement the practices later. To ease the burden of trying to figure out what to write for in a plan, we have created a template for you to use.

This 28-page template allows you to fill in the pieces in a step-by-step regiment based on how you run your vegetable operation. The template is set up for the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Harmonized GAPs programs. Having a written plan is also useful for implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) standards. A plan is not required for FSMA but it makes compliance much easier than not having one. For further questions or assistance, please contact Robert Hadad.

Still feel a bit overwhelmed about food safety practices and writing a plan? You may want to attend one of our Farm Food Safety trainings (see Events for scheduled trainings or contact Robert for more info). The training provides information on the how's and why's of reducing microbial risk for your operation, creating a workable plan to organize your practices, and the knowledge for why these practices are important. Additionally, the team of food safety experts will help you get started writing your own farm food safety plan.

Food Safety Plan Template (Microsoft Word) (doc; 198KB)

• This file will download to your computer when you click it.

SCRUB Twilight Workshop Series

September 1, 2021 : Bin Blitz

Experienced growers and UVM's Ag Engineering present new strategies and cleaning tools to increase the efficiency and efficacy of bin cleaning, sanitation and management practices. Lead growers show and tell their bin systems, with lessons learned. Participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

September 8, 2021 : Low Cost and High Value

Evaluate low-cost (either money or time) improvements that make a big difference. Experience growers show and tell the thrifty improvements they made and summarize lessons learned, including trade-offs of spending money (or not) to lower risks and increase efficiency. 

September 15, 2021 : Wash/Pack Floors

Learn to improve or repair a concrete floor so that it is smooth and easy to clean. This workshop highlights concrete repair, cleaning and sanitation techniques, water management, products and resources, as well as show and tell from experienced growers, and Chris Callahan from UVM's Extension Ag Engineering.

September 22, 2021 : Wash Water Management

Experienced growers and facilitators dig into the fundamentals of managing produce wash water, including show and tell with lessons learned about wash water management, use and monitoring of sanitizers. All participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

September 29, 2021 : Tools for Employee Management and Empowerment

Develop management strategies/systems to retain and empower high-value workers, while improving crew morale and culture. Learn from experienced managers of loyal and reliable crews, the pros and cons of their current management systems, and how they came to be. Participants leave with resources and a plan to improve/implement one or more new practices or strategies.

October 6, 2021 : Bubblers/Aerators for Greens Washing

For growers wanting to install or improve a greens bubbler/aerator. Get feedback from growers who built/improved their own systems. Examine designs and DYI resources, as well as perceived quality and efficiency gains from bubblers as compared to other washing methods. This workshop features a panel of New York growers!