Cooperative agreement with the state of ohio for enhancement of food emergency response network (FERN) laboratory testing capability and capacity

The Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service awarded a $230,000 cooperative agreement to the Ohio Department of Agriculture for the period of October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The award enhances the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) laboratory testing capability and capacity in Ohio under the Food Safety Cooperative Agreements (CFDA 10.479) federal grant program.

The Food Safety Cooperative Agreements program aims to reduce foodborne illnesses associated with meat, poultry and egg products through cooperative agreements with state agencies. This particular award supports Ohio's efforts to strengthen its FERN laboratory network for food testing and safety surveillance through expanded testing capacity. The funding enhances Ohio's ability to quickly and accurately test for threats to the food supply in support of the federal government's goal of protecting public health.