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As you are most likely aware, cases of E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria on spinach last fall resulted in deaths and illnesses across the country. This has caused the produce industry to react by developing stringent food safety regulations beginning with leafy green products.
Trade groups serving the conventional produce industry have lead the effort to develop a Leafy Green Product Handler Marketing Agreement, which would require those handlers who sign on to agree to adhere to "Best Practices" and to only buy or handle leafy green products from growers who have grown the produce in accordance with the "Best Practices". Those "Best Practices" have yet to be drafted.
Food safety is a top priority for CCOF and our members, and we appreciate the efforts of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the organizations that drafted the proposed agreement. CCOF's goal is to produce food that is safe for consumers to eat and beneficial to their health and the health of the environment.
The CDFA held a hearing on January 12 to gather comments to help determine whether to proceed with the Marketing Agreement. Based on testimony (including CCOF's), CDFA extended the comment period to January 19.
If the Marketing Agreement moves forward, the produce industry expects a mandatory Leafy Green Grower Marketing Order to follow.
CCOF has expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the process and proceeding with the Marketing Agreement before the "Best Practices" have been developed. In addition, CCOF has requested that organic farmers and handlers be involved in the development of the Agreement as well as have representation on the proposed Leafy Green Advisory Board.
More Information.
CCOF's Press Release
Proposed Materials
View the "Draft Metrics and Decision Trees". For more information on the Draft Metrics and Decision Trees please contact Western Growers Association (www.wga.com) or
Rayne Thompson
Director, National Affairs International Trade & Plant Health
California Farm Bureau Federation
2300 River Plaza Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 561-5610
Cell: (916) 812-0201
Fax: (916) 561-5693
rthompson@cfbf.com
Other Resources
Monterey County Resource Conservation District: www.rcdmonterey.org
UCSC Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems: www.ucsc.edu/casfs
California Department of Food and Agriculture: www.cdfa.ca.gov
Western Growers Association: www.wga.com
California Farm Bureau: www.cfbf.com
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF): www.caff.org
Leafy Green Products are defined by the California Department of Food and Agriculture as:
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Romaine Lettuce
- Green Leaf Lettuce
- Red Leaf Lettuce
- Butter Lettuce
- Baby Leaf Lettuce (i.e., immature lettuce or leafy greens)
- Escarole
- Endive
- Spring Mix
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Arugula
- Chard
Your support makes these efforts possible. Join CCOF today.
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