Small-scale growers can get reimbursed for part of their food safety audit, testing, or training expenses.

California’s Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has a reimbursement program to assist specialty crop producers with the cost of first time food safety audits, informational assessments, water and/or soil testing, and training regarding Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).  Small-scale growers can be reimbursed for up to $200 for these expenses.

To request a reimbursement, growers should download the application form, complete it, and mail it to CDFA as indicated on the form. Only completed applications with original signatures will be processed. Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis until the funds are depleted, or July 31, 2013.