Can You Sell or Serve Wyoming-Grown Produce?
By the Wyoming Department of Agriculture
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA), along with local health departments, receive inquires on a regular basis on the sale of Wyoming-grown produce.
Produce, fruit and vegetables have been linked to nationwide recalls and foodborne outbreaks on a regular basis. In the previous year, sliver onions served through McDonald’s and whole cantaloupes sold through grocery stores have made headlines.
The local food initiative to “grow and know” has gained popularity across the country, with consumers and producers alike, along with the public of Wyoming.
The answer to the question above is yes. Individuals can sell and serve Wyoming-grown produce. Buying fresh, unprocessed, whole fruits and vegetables from local growers, farmers’ markets or by growing it oneself are all great options to incorporate healthy produce in daily diets.
As always, when buying or selling produce or any potentially hazardous food items, it is important to understand the risks involved, along with ensuring food remains safe and unadulterated.
Applying good ag practices
When producing fruits and vegetables, growers should apply good agricultural practices to minimize the risk of microbial, chemical and physical hazards to the produce.
Fresh produce can become microbiologically contaminated at any point from the farm-to-table food chain.
Some of the main sources of contamination come from human or animal feces and/or a water source used to irrigate the crops.
WDA reminds growers pesticides used must follow label instructions for application and harvest, animal manure or municipal biosolid waste should be managed closely to minimize contamination and fresh manure should not be used.
It is recommended to use manure which has had treatment for pathogens. Note this does not eliminate the pathogens but does reduce the risk.
Additionally, location of the garden or field should be considered. An animal feedlot or other type of industry which could cause byproducts to come in contact with crops and contaminate produce should not be too near the garden or field.
Worker hygiene and good sanitation practices should be followed during production, harvesting, sorting, packing and transportation. This is critical to ensure a safe product.
Raw Agriculture Producers
In Wyoming, agricultural producers who are growing and selling raw agricultural produce and meat – processed in a state- or federally-inspected facility – are exempt from licensing and are able to sell to the final end consumer or a licensed food establishment.
These types of producers are asked to register with WDA’s Consumer Health Services as a Raw Agriculture Producer. Raw Agricultural Producers are required to have at least one inspection per year to ensure food is transported, stored and delivered in a safe and sanitary manner.
Inspection involves good management practices consisting of personnel, plant and grounds, sanitary operations, sanitary facilities and controls, equipment and utensils and warehousing and distribution.
As a consumer or licensed food establishment, one can purchase local produce from Raw Agricultural Producers.
However, WDA reminds individuals to do their homework to ensure they are getting a product with minimal risk of contaminates and to make sure to follow food safety guidance on handling and preparing these products.
Stay safe by picking the safest and freshest fruits and vegetables, storing them properly and effectively washing fresh produce.
For more information on food safety, the meat program and other aspects of licensing food establishments in Wyoming, visit agriculture.wy.gov/CHS.
WDA is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of Wyoming’s agriculture, natural resources and contribution to Wyoming’s quality of life. For more information, visit agriculture.wy.gov.
