Extension Response

The LSU AgCenter’s Food Safety Program supports Louisiana’s farms, food businesses and communities through science-based training and outreach. With the implementation of the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the need for education and compliance support became essential. The LSU AgCenter responded with coordinated efforts to deliver effective, accessible food safety education statewide. Through a combination of in-person workshops, virtual courses, bilingual materials and tailored technical support, the program helps small- to mid-sized producers, processors and farmworkers meet regulatory requirements and adopt best practices in food safety. These efforts strengthen the state’s agricultural economy while protecting public health.

Economic and Workforce Impacts

The LSU AgCenter’s food safety trainings directly contributed to workforce development, regulatory compliance and economic gains:

• 1,800+ individuals trained in farm and food safety since program inception.
• 85% increase in GAP-certified farms — from 13 to 24 operations — enabling greater access to institutional and wholesale markets.
• 40% of certified farms reported a 10% or more increase in sales, indicating a positive economic return on certification efforts.
• 82% of food processors trained developed and implemented food safety plans required under FSMA.
• Specialized training sessions yielded a 97% knowledge gain in food safety practices among vendors, farmworkers and underserved growers.
• Businesses saved up to $18,000 per test using the LSU AgCenter’s low-cost lab services versus commercial labs.

Program Outcomes

The LSU AgCenter’s outreach is driving measurable improvements across Louisiana’s food supply chain:

• Workforce Development: Equipped farmers, food workers, and processors with essential safety knowledge and credentials
• Economic Resilience: Helped farms and small businesses retain markets, grow revenue and reduce product loss
• Regulatory Readiness: Improved industry compliance with FSMA, enhancing consumer safety and confidence
• Public Health Protection: Reduced foodborne illness risk by promoting science-based, preventive on-farm practices
• Community Engagement: Reached rural and underserved communities with linguistically and culturally appropriate training

Training Highlights

• Over 450 fruit and vegetable growers completed the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training to meet FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements.
• 350+ food processors and regulatory personnel trained as Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs), ensuring facilities meet national food safety standards.
• Delivered Good Agricultural and Handling Practices (GAPs/GHPs) training to 445 producers and extension agents, improving food safety from harvest to market.
• Educated 250+ farmers market vendors and 200+ farmworkers, including Spanish speaking audiences, through targeted, culturally relevant programs.
• Supported over 100 small food businesses with affordable microbial testing and shelf life analysis through the microbial food testing services lab.
• Developed research-based tools and models that help producers identify risk, improve safety practices and extend shelf life.

Contact Us:

Achyut Adhikari
acadhikari@agcenter.lsu.edu / 225-578-2529
LSUAgCenter.com/Extension

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The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.