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If your land is prone to flooding, consider the risk present to the crop and water sources.
History of land use is critical to identifying food safety risks.
When assessing food safety risks on your farm, it is important to understand current production practices as well as prior land use
Composted manure is at a much lower risk for contaminating crop and water sources than raw manure
The best practice is to cover and store the compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields
The best practice is to cover and store the compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields
Raw manure storage areas should be at a safe distance away from surface water sources
There are several factors to consider when assessing your fields risk of contamination when there are manure storage areas nearby
When assessing your farm's risk of contamination, there are many factors to consider
When assessing risks to your farm, some factors to consider are whether physical barriers are present
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) have a high concentration of animals that may shed pathogens in their manure
Produce fields should not be located within 30 feet of septic tanks
Assess the likelihood of contamination if a field is located near a landfill or treatment facility
Monitor the field for any signs of runoff.
If you farm on land with a recent history of flooding, soil should be tested before crops are grown.
History of land use is critical to identifying food safety risks.
Final page of the Land Use Decision Tree
Store compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields.
Raw manure storage areas near surface water can result in water contamination, either by runoff or through leaching.
Manure storage areas can leach pathogens into the soil, wells, and other water sources.
If manure is close to production areas, there is a risk that it will contaminate produce by runoff or wind spread.
Domestic animals on adjacent land present a food safety risk.
Large scale animal operations are a significant food safety risk.
Underground septic systems can leach chemicals and pathogens into soil and water.
Chemicals and pathogens may leach from landfill and sewage areas to contaminate crops.
Runoff or wind spread can contaminate your produce field.
It is important to know the current and past use of the land in the surrounding areas.
