Validating the Willing–Ready–Able (WRA) Framework to Measure Food Safety Engagement Among FSMA-Exempt Produce Growers in West Virginia

Building on an earlier pilot classification study, the present study uses a fully independent statewide sample to psychometrically validate the Willing-Ready-Able (WRA) framework and to test behavioral separation across readiness stages. Many small-scale produce farms in West Virginia are exempt from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR), yet voluntary adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) remains inconsistent due to the absence of a standardized engagement measure. The WRA framework is a behavioral readiness model that classifies FSMA-exempt growers by engagement in postharvest food safety practices. A statewide, cross-sectional survey was administered between July and August 2025 to FSMA-exempt produce growers recruited at farmers' markets across all six West Virginia Department of Agriculture regions. Of 130 growers approached, five declined to participate, yielding 125 completed responses (96% response rate). The questionnaire assessed three behavioral constructs-confidence, perceived importance, and willingness-toward seven GAP-aligned postharvest practices. Construct validity and internal consistency were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's α (0.81-0.88). All constructs showed strong reliability and clear single-factor solutions. Group-level differences across WRA classifications were tested using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), confirming significant overall effects (Wilks' Λ, p < 0.01). Univariate tests indicated significant differences for confidence (p < 0.01), willingness (p < 0.001), and importance (p < 0.001), with construct scores increasing stepwise across groups (Willing < Ready < Able). These findings validate WRA as a reliable diagnostic for assessing behavioral readiness among FSMA-exempt growers. The framework provides a practical mechanism for tailoring outreach strategies-building confidence among the Willing, reducing barriers for the Ready, and leveraging the Able as peer mentors-to strengthen voluntary food safety adoption and guide efficient resource allocation.