Helping local farmers keep food safe
Official title: Local Food Safety Collaborative
Funded at National Farmers Union Foundation · NIH-11393419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Provides training and resources to local farmers and small food processors so they can follow federal food safety rules and offer safer food to their customers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Farmers Union Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01FD006921-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are local farmers, small-scale food processors, and producers who sell directly to consumers at markets, CSA programs, or local retailers.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not consume locally produced foods or who are not involved in food production are unlikely to directly benefit or participate.
What this research studies
If you buy food from local farms or farmers markets, this project helps the people who grow and prepare that food learn practical ways to reduce contamination and follow food safety rules. It delivers guidance, training, and tools to small producers so they can interpret federal regulations and improve on-farm and processing practices. The program partners with regional groups and builds on earlier outreach to expand producers' capacity and economic viability. Activities likely include workshops, educational materials, and cooperative efforts to reach diverse local food businesses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lower the risk of foodborne illness from locally produced foods by improving producers' safety practices and regulatory compliance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous outreach and training programs for small producers have improved compliance and food-safety practices in some regions, though long-term effects on illness rates vary.
Where this research is happening
-
National Farmers Union Foundation
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarthy, William — National Farmers Union Foundation
- Study coordinator: Mccarthy, William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Local Food Safety Collaborative for Local Farmers and Processors
A national program helps local farmers and small food businesses understand and follow federal food safety rules to keep local food safe and support their livelihoods.
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Improving food safety for local farmers and processors
This study is all about helping local farmers and food processors learn more about food safety so they can follow the rules and keep our food safe and healthy for everyone.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.