Assessing Food Safety Needs and Agricultural Water Quality Among Alabama Specialty Crop Growers: A Two-Phase Study

Alabama has over 2,000 farms that grow produce, yet limited data exists on food safety needs. To address this, a two-phase study was conducted. Phase 1 consisted of a 15-question needs-assessment survey (Qualtrics, n=99) targeting specialty crop growers. Based on identified priorities and historical concerns about water quality in Alabama, Phase 2 involved the development of the AgWater Safety Program. The program provided free microbial water testing. Participants (n=20) completed a 10-question survey to determine eligibility. Water samples were enumerated for generic Escherichia coli. In Phase 1, respondents had received Produce Safety Rule training (49%) and GAP training (42%). Top training interests included food safety plan writing, cleaning and sanitizing, and postharvest handling. In Phase 2, 83 water samples were collected. Generic E. coli was enumerated in different water sources, including surface (20/34), groundwater (2/33), and municipal (0/9). Many participants (60%) had never tested their water before the program. Although Phase 2 enrollment was limited (n=20), the results still provide critical insight into grower practices and water quality trends that directly inform future food safety programming in Alabama. This information will guide Alabama food safety educators in establishing produce safety programming, prioritizing the current needs.