January 21, 2025

USDA Offers Financial Assistance with Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program  

Did your farm recently incur costs for food safety certification? The USDA’s Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program provides financial assistance to help specialty crop operations offset these expenses. 

Eligible Expenses 

Reimbursement is available for up to 75% of eligible costs, including: 

  • Developing or updating food safety plans. 
  • Certification fees (up to $2,000). 
  • Microbiological testing for products, water, and soil. 
  • 100% reimbursement for training expenses (up to $500). 

Who is Eligible 

To qualify, applicants must: 

  • Be specialty crop growers. 
  • Hold certifications issued between June 26, 2024, and December 31, 2025. 
  • Have paid eligible expenses. 
  • Be classified as a small or medium-sized business. 
  • Operate within the U.S. or its territories. 

A detailed fact sheet covering program eligibility and expenses can be found here. 

For additional information, visit the USDA’s program webpage here.