FDA Hearing on Food Safety Modernization Act

Produce growers and farms that minimally process food items or aggregate the produce of other farms can learn more about the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed food safety rules at upcoming hearings. Hearings have been scheduled in NH, ME and MA. This MA hearing will be held at Plainville Farm, located at 135 Mount Warner Rd in Hadley. Farmers are encouraged to attend the session to learn more about the regulations – many of which will add an untenable layer of cost and complexity for the region’s producers – and to share their concerns with the FDA. Farmers will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Produce Safety and Preventive Control Rules during the session. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), passed in January 2011, represents the most comprehensive reform of food regulation in more than 70 years. “Food safety is a good thing,” said New England Farmers Union President Roger Noonan, “but the economic impact of these new rules means New England farmers are bearing a disproportionate burden. Producers need to tell their stories to the FDA and let the agency know how their operations will be affected by FSMA.” Visit CISA’s website and New England Farmers Union’s website for summaries of FSMA rules, talking points, as well as instructions on how to comment. For those not able not attend the hearing, suggested questions may be submitted to New England Farmers Union at info@newenglandfarmersunion.org.