About the Southern Center

The SC proposal is built upon the collaborative infrastructure established within the Southern US over the previous nine years to support Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant training, education, outreach, and technical assistance as it relates to the food industry. The proposed SC includes participation from land-grant institutions and non-government and community-based organizations in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, and VA (4.0 Round- Partner's Map). Recognizing the critical link in ensuring public access to agricultural education, research, and outreach programs are equitably distributed to all Americans, we have continued to build our consortium team, highlighted by the inclusion of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). All partners have an established record of accomplishment in working with target audiences, developing and modifying food safety training curricula, and supporting food safety practices for stakeholders. Building upon previously established partnerships, SC will lead, manage, and coordinate regional assistance programs targeted at owners and operators of small and medium-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, small food processors, and small merchant wholesalers affected by FSMA (subsequently identified as SC Stakeholders). In addition to land-grant institutions and established partnerships with stakeholder groups, coordination between state and local regulators, additional community-based and non-governmental organizations, and current and future USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Project (FSOP) grantees will be leveraged to maximize training effectiveness and delivery opportunities.

The goal will be accomplished through the following specific objectives:

1. 1) Develop a cadre of FSMA Lead Trainers/Instructors and support the delivery of regional and stakeholder-specific education, training curricula, and technical assistance programs in the Southern US.

   2) Coordinate a regional communication strategy to discuss ongoing efforts and best practices for FSMA-related training, education, and technical assistance.

   3) Create strong partnerships with representative government and non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and tribal organizations to build capacity and strengthen collaboration within the Southern US.

   4) Evaluate the impact of SC education and training through ongoing program assessments.

Programs will focus on helping audiences understand and interpret FSMA regulations and implement systems to meet requirements across the respective environments, agricultural production and processing systems in the Southern US to ensure co-management of food safety, conservation systems, and ecological health.

4.0 Round- Partner's Map