In this issue:

On-Farm Readiness Reviews

Local Foods Open Space Discussion

Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan

Farm to Freezer Webinar

Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
On-Farm Readiness Reviews are Resuming

FDA lifted face-to-face meeting restrictions as of June 5th, so On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs) and the FSMA Produce Safety Rule inspections have started up again. Small businesses (average produce sales between $250,000 and $500,000, adjusted for inflation) that are covered by the Produce Safety Rule can expect an initial inspection this year from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Our team at Extension is offering OFRRs to these farms to help them prepare for their inspection. We will come tour the farm, look at food safety practices and give recommendations to improve food safety.
Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez visiting a mushroom farm to practice conducting OFRRs.
In order to protect you and ourselves, we have implemented a new COVID-19 OFRR visit policy which includes wearing masks, hand washing practices and social distancing requirements.

If you are interested in an OFRR, sign up below or contact Julia Fryer at 501-671-2181 or jfryer@uaex.edu.
Local Foods Open Space Discussion
~Resuming July 20th~

The Local Foods Open Space Discussion series started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic to be a resource to the local foods community in Arkansas. As restrictions are easing up, our efforts are retur ning to our original program areas. However, we plan to continue hosting these virtual meetings on a regular basis. We are currently considering what schedule works best and what topics to discuss.

For more information or to suggest topics, contact Rip Weaver at 501-671-2182 or rweaver@uaex.edu.
Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan

Developed from the Agriculture Workers and Employers Interim Guidance from CDC and the U.S. Department of Labor , this checklist will help agriculture employers create an assessment and control plan to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. The five sections of this checklist include:

  1. Assessment
  2. Control Plan Based on the Hierarchy of Controls
  3. Special Considerations for Shared Housing
  4. Special Considerations for Shared Transportation
  5. Special Considerations for Children
Farm to Freezer Webinar

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture hosted a webinar to cover the basics of raising and processing beef for consumers looking to buy locally produced foods.
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
Are you a small business owner or are you thinking about starting your own small business in Arkansas? Let the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) assist you with their no-cost, confidential consulting and educational events! ASBTDC is a university-based economic development program with 8 offices around the state.

Services available:
  • Business planning
  • Financing
  • Financial management
  • Marketing

Due to COVID-19, staff are currently teleworking but are available by email, call or video conference. Fill out their online signup or call 800-862-2040. Visit the ASBTDC website for more information.
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