The organic community on the Central Coast of California and beyond are gearing up for a fruitful exchange of ideas, contacts, and networking at this yearu2019s Organic Groweru2019s Summit (OGS), hosted by CCOF and the Organic Produce Network, in Monterey, California on December 4-5, 2019. This year is lining up to be a great one with an action-packed line up of speakers, dinners, and extensive exhibition trade show floor. If you havenu2019t registered, now is the time to reserve your spot!
CCOF is proud to be a part of this yearu2019s summit, as we are hosting and speaking on multiple panels. Please join us the morning of December 5 at 8:00 a.m. in the Steinbeck Ballroom at the Monterey Conference Center for a deep dive discussion on Organic Farming in the Era of FSMA. Food safety has always been important to the organic community. Weu2019ll be looking into the changing landscape of food safety on organic farms and how the industry is complying with the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules. Weu2019ll also explore how the Food and Drug Administrationu2019s produce inspections will be rolled out and the changes affecting the leafy greens industry.
u201cOrganic Farming Systems in the Era of FSMAu201d will be moderated by Jacob Guth, CCOFu2019s director of food safety. Panelists for the session include Donna Lynn Browne, director of food safety and social responsibility for Naturipe Farms; Greg Komar, technical director of the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement; and Steve Patton, branch chief for California Department of Food and Agriculture Inspection and Compliance.
Organic production and food safety requirements can sometimes conflict, but often they work hand-in-hand. Producing safe food has always been the priority for organic growers. Come learn how this is shaking out on the ground and how organic growers are managing their success in the era of food safety.
CCOF envisions a world where organic is the norm. As a resource for our certified growers, we have developed a food safety certification program that can often combine your organic and food safety inspections. Contact foodsafety@ccof.org for more information.