Water is one of the most important resources in agriculture, especially when IT comes to harvesting, washing, and packing fruits and vegetables

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech) received a $399,465 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Food Safety Outreach Program (CFDA 10.328) awarded September 15, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 14, 2028. The project, titled "Bridging the Gap II: Management of Postharvest Water in Produce Operations," delivers hands-on training and educational resources focused on safe water management in specialty crop operations. Participants will learn water system mechanics, sanitizer selection and application, water quality monitoring, and test kit usage through a series of workshop modules. Trainees will develop operating procedures that comply with federal food safety regulations and private audit standards, equipping farmers and packers with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks linked to harvest and postharvest water systems.

Virginia Tech established three sub-awards totaling the grant funding to extend program delivery: the University of Georgia Research Foundation, the University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research, and the University of Tennessee UT AG Research Division, each receiving awards in October 2025. The collaborative structure leverages the agricultural research expertise of three land-grant institutions to deliver regional training, develop curricula, and provide technical assistance to small and mid-sized specialty crop producers and packers affected by Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements. The broader impact includes safer fresh produce supply, strengthened compliance with national food safety standards, and enhanced consumer trust in the produce supply chain.

However, if water is not managed carefully, IT can become a pathway for harmful microbes that cause foodborne illness. Outbreaks linked to fresh produce can have devastating effects on public health, lead to costly recalls, and damage consumer trust. Farmers and packers face growing pressure to meet federal food safety regulations and private audit standards, but lack clear andpractical training on how to manage harvest and postharvest water systems safely and effectively. This project addresses that critical need by developing and delivering hands-on training and educational resources focused on safe water management in specialty crop operations.through a series of workshop modules, participants will learn how different water systems work, how to choose and use sanitizers effectively, and how to monitor and maintain water quality. They will practice using test kits, interpreting results, and developing operating procedures that meet both regulatory and audit requirements. By the end of the project, participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make informed decisions that protect both their farms and the consumers who rely on them. The broader impact of this work will be safer food, stronger compliance with national food safety standards, and greater trust in the fresh produce supply.