The Clean Start program is a free, five month coaching program intended to help beginning farmers understand and implement food safety best practices on their own farm. Program coaches will work one-on-one with participants each month, culminating in the creation of a personalized Food Safety Plan. Please view the Clean Start Food Safety Program Syllabus for further details.

The Clean Start Coaching Program is not accepting new applicants at this time. Please check back in late 2022 for updates.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge/comfort with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations and USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification
• Assessment of your farm’s operation as it relates to food safety best practices
• Creation of a Food Safety Plan and traceability system for your farm

Program participation includes:

• $2000 stipend to purchase and implement food safety equipment and/or supplies for your farm
• Microsoft Surface Go tablet pre-installed w/ Microsoft Office and FarmTabs (Iowa Valley RC&D’s food safety software)
• Label printer

Educational Food Safety Supplements

To view individual handouts, click on the handout images or text links below.

This work was supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Food Safety Outreach Program Grant project.

Claire Zabel
Email: claire@ivrcd.org
Phone: 507-312-9139