Which of these is cited as a FSMA partnership enhancement?

• A. National agriculture and food defense strategy
• B. Expanded pesticide registration
• C. Decreased enforcement at ports
• D. Reduced inspection coverage

Answer: (A)

FSMA emphasizes strengthening collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, industry, and other partners to prevent contamination and respond quickly to threats. The National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy is cited as a FSMA partnership enhancement because it provides a formal framework for these diverse actors to coordinate across the entire food system—improving information sharing, joint planning, and a unified response to potential threats. This kind of strategic, cross-sector alignment directly supports FSMA’s goal of building a resilient, well-coordinated defense of the food supply.

Expanded pesticide registration falls under regulatory work by the EPA and is not a FSMA partnership initiative. Decreasing enforcement at ports or reducing inspection coverage would undermine FSMA’s preventive approach and is inconsistent with its objectives.