The risk of a food safety incident is a serious one with wide legal ramifications. Growing safe food is the very first priority for managing these risks. Beyond that, there is still plenty a farmer can do to build a strong, resilient farm business that can withstand such an event! By referring to the Taking Action steps in this guide, farmers can begin to develop an overall food safety strategy most suited to their farm operation. In the end, the right risk management strategy is a personal decision—financial, emotional, and business considerations all factor into what’s most appropriate and feasible for you and your farm.

TAKING ACTION: ONGOING

Schedule an annual review of the farm’s food safety strategy

Whatever is decided as a first step, farmers are well-advised to carve out some time each year to revisit, improve, and adapt their overall food safety strategy, including their food safety plan. What’s working and what’s not? Are systems being followed? Are records being kept? How might systems be improved? Have regulations changed or do new regulations apply? A call to the farm’s insurance agent should be part of this annual review. Are new or better policies available?