Program Overview

Practical Farmers of Iowa offers a cost-share program for specialty crop farmers seeking to make on-farm food safety improvements. Participants will receive up to $3,000 reimbursement for improvements to on-farm food safety.

Eligibility

To qualify:

  • You must be a specialty crop producer in Iowa.
  • You must have a training certificate from a PSA Grower Training course on the FSMA Produce Safety Rule or plan to attend a PSA Grower Training before May 1, 2026. 2025-2026 PSA Grower Training dates can be found at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
  • You must own or operate a farm business; nonprofit organizations are not eligible for this program.

If accepted, you agree to:

  • Complete at least $3,000 in qualifying purchases to use for on-farm food safety improvements by May 1, 2026.
  • Participate in a 20-minute consultation call.
  • Attend a program kickoff webinar in February.
  • Complete the payment request form and submit proof of purchase (receipts).
  • Complete a cost-share program survey.

Program Requirements

Cost-Share Reimbursement Amount

The produce safety cost-share offers participants $3,000 in cost-share funds to reimburse eligible expenses for on-farm food safety improvements of $3,000 or more. Eligible expenses must be made by May 1, 2026.

Examples of eligible food safety improvements include, but are not limited to:*

  • Installation of walk-in cooler or CoolBot system 
  • Upgrades to food contact surfaces in your pack shed 
  • Handwashing stations 
  • Harvest totes that can be easily cleaned and sanitized
  • Portable toilet rental 
  • Expenses related to enclosing your packing area 
  • Expenses related to enclosing your growing areas (high tunnels, caterpillar tunnels, row cover) 
  • Fencing or netting to exclude wildlife 
  • Produce washing equipment 
  • Sanitizers, applicators and test strips 
  • Reusable distribution containers (insulated bags, totes, coolers, etc.) 
  • Third-party GAP certification  Water testing expenses 

*These items are also eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency's Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program, but cannot be reimbursed by both programs.

Items not allowed:

  • Single-use packaging, such as clamshells, wax boxes or paper bags 
  • Disposable items, such as gloves, paper towels, etc.  
  • Tent for use at farmers markets  
  • Water testing equipment for plant nutrition

How to Apply

Applications will open in fall 2026.

Program Partner

Funding was made possible by The Builders Initiative.