UF/IFAS has put together questions to help Florida citrus growers to put together an agricultural water assessment for pre-harvest water.
In May of 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made changes to its Produce Safety Rule (PSR), requiring “growers to have an agricultural water assessment (AgWa) for production (i.e., pre-harvest) water,” according to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. As part of their efforts to work “with growers to help them meet this new requirement,” The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Produce Safety Team has put together questions to “help citrus growers create an AgWa, decide if changes are needed to water use, and prepare for a PSR inspection.” See them below.
Questions for an Agricultural Water Assessment
The article shared the following questions for growers to answer to help create and agricultural water assessment and more:
- “Where is your citrus being sold? If it is being sold to the fresh market, you may need an AgWa. If it is only going to a processor (e.g., for juice production), the FDA will not require you to have an AgWa. However, your buyer may still request an AgWa.
- Do you use agricultural water? In the context of the PSR, agricultural water is any water that is likely to or intended to contact produce or food contact surfaces covered by the PSR (like citrus). This includes water use for irrigation or fertigation, herbicide and pesticide crop sprays, and cleaning and sanitizing harvest clippers, bags, bins and packing lines. Most citrus farms use agricultural water in their operation.
- What is your water source? If you use water from a municipality (e.g., county or city water) or well water for postharvest activities, you are exempt from an AgWa. You will still need the paperwork showing the water meets the criteria in the rule. If you use surface water (e.g., ponds, canals or seepage irrigation) and that water (whether it is for irrigation or sprays) is likely to contact your citrus, you will need an AgWa.
- Is your water source protected? Do you monitor your water source and minimize animal intrusion? Or do you allow animals, like cows, into the same water you use for your crops? Are you aware of adjacent animal farms or other activities that may be out of your control, like boaters, which have access to that water? Some intrusion events, including the animals and people recreating, could increase the water’s risk, which must be considered in an AgWa.
- What are your crops? Document which crop(s) you grow and any crop characteristics, such as information about the crop’s texture. One example is the surface differences between cantaloupe and watermelon. At this point, the rule has no specific examples for citrus. It also includes horticultural practices, such as how you skirt your trees, which could limit the likelihood of water contact from a microjet sprinkler.
- Does the water directly touch your crop? If yes, your risk may be higher, especially if using surface water. One way to reduce this risk is to extend the time between when water last touched your crop and harvest. FDA guidance suggests a minimum of four days between water use and harvest. Another option is to treat your agricultural water to control human pathogens.
- Any other factors? Did a wind or freeze event damage your crop? Did you use frost protection? Weather events can impact your crop.”
The article added that “Once you’ve answered these questions, document any changes you may or may not need to make to your operation… At least once a year, or any time you make changes to your production water practices, update your AgWa. Take a deep dive into the FDA requirements here.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.