Public Meeting on Food Safety Proposed Rules and our Fresh Local Food Supply
Floyd Country Store
September 26, 2013 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Farmers, producers, local food system organizers and entrepreneurs, and other concerned citizens are invited to attend a public meeting at the Floyd Country Store. At this meeting, we will learn about the US Food and Drug Administration’s Proposed Rules for the recently passed federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), how the new rules might affect producers and consumers of fresh produce and our local food system, and how we can influence the Final Rule through submitting comments to FDA. Material developed by NSAC will provide the basis for the presentation.
As currently drafted, the proposed rules would impose high compliance costs on produce farms that could force some growers out of business, and restrict the public’s access to fresh local produce. We all want to grow, sell, and eat safe food and prevent foodborne illness; however, many of the burdensome proposed regulations on farms lack scientific evidence that they would actually reduce risk. By the FDA’s own admission, implementation of the proposed rule would slow the entry of new farmers into the profession, and curb the growth of the local food systems that the public demands.
The good news is that FDA is honestly seeking guidance from all stakeholders, including farmers and local food system organizers, on how to most effectively improve food safety while protecting the livelihoods of producers and entrepreneurs at all scales of operation.
Come join us for an informative and empowering evening that will equip you to submit effective comments to FDA on this vital issue.
Pot Luck Dinner: Bring a covered dish for our potluck dinner beginning at 6:00 pm. Local food encouraged, though not required.