michigan small farm and farmers market info

[michiganfarmer]

I get email updates from the local USDA branch.

This just in from the Michigan's Farmer's Market Managers regarding
pending legislation. Please see below. Have a wonderful Friday, and
enjoy the sunshine!

Susan

Susan Loney, Area Specialist
USDA Rural Development
Traverse City Area Office
1-800-944-8119
231-839-7708 (home office)
231-839-7710 (fax)
231-499-3883 (cell)

Dear Fellow Farmers Market Advocate,

In the last few days, there has been much discussion and speculation
surrounding H.R. 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009, which
was proposed by Representative Rosa DeLauro and 39 other co-sponsors and
currently under review by two house committees. The bill's intention is
to centralize most of the current food safety responsibilities of FDA
and USDA into one new agency within the Department of Health and Human
Services. While the bill does not spell out any specific regulations
with respect to food safety, it establishes a new framework of oversight
to prevent the breakout of food-borne illnesses (like the recent cases
involving bagged spinach, peanuts, tainted meat, imported tomatoes,
etc.).

Calls to Congresswoman DeLauro's office from me and several colleagues
have been met by assurances that she is an advocate for small family
farms, and that the bill's intent is to minimize (or eliminate) the
impact on such entities while addressing the challenges posed by a
global food supply by more closely regulating imported food. Based on
what we know at this point, farmers markets are not considered "food
establishments" under Section 3 (13), and would not be subject to
inspection as such.

Food production facilities (including farms), may be subject to
additional recordkeeping via a written food safety plan which follow
"good practice standards" under Section 206(2). There is no language in
the bill that would implement a national animal ID system, or mandate
farm inspection. In fact, the legislation specifies that technical
assistance would be provide to farmers and food establishments that fit
the definition of a small business.

There are also no assurances that, given the current economic climate
and the inherent cost of establishing a new administration, this bill
will even survive in its current form or at all. To what degree there
may be any change to current standards (like GAPs), which are now
voluntary for most growers, would be up to the new agency, which is
directed to consult with USDA and state departments of agriculture
before enacting any new farm production and handling standards. FMC
believes that any standards designed to prevent contamination at the
farm and market level, whether voluntary or mandatory, must take into
account the cost, time, and ability to implement. As many realize, a
one-size-fits-all policy would ultimately do a disservice not only to
small, biodiverse farms, but to the consumers who value affordable
access to safe, fresh, nutritious food directly from the farmer.

FMC recognizes the importance of food safety not only from a consumer
health perspective, but also to uphold the integrity of farmers markets
and viability of small farms everywhere. Families and individuals
across the country put their faith in the quality, safety, and freshness
of farmers markets every day, and that investment of faith cannot be
taken for granted. Proactive measures to prevent contamination at the
farm and market level are good business. FMC's web site has links to
several resources developed by various states with regard to food safety
at farmers markets, many of which include good recommendations for food
storage, handling, and sampling.

FMC is working to ensure that strategies to prevent contamination are
science-based, sensitive to scale of production, and friendly to farmers
markets and the farmers they depend on. Recently, the Coalition
represented farmers markets at a national Good Agricultural Practices
summit to support voluntary (rather than mandatory) implementation of
the Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables, which is presently undergoing review for updates. We will
continue to stay involved in issues surrounding food safety, and keep
you informed of developments that could impact farmers markets and their
producers.

Sincerely,

Stacy Miller

Executive Director
Farmers Market Coalition