The local food trend continues to spread, with U.S. consumers increasingly wanting to know exactly where their food comes from, but new data from Auburn University shows food safety issues at “small” and “very small”
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small farm food safety
More local food, more food safety risk, more federal grants
With industry reporting that sales of “local foods” more than doubled from 2008 to 2014, concerns about public safety also increased, spurring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer almost $5 million in new food…
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Small plus local doesn’t equal a free pass on food safety
There’s a revolution going on in a grocery store near you. Fueled by consumer demand, it has been dubbed the “fresh revolution” by industry heavyweights such as the United Fresh Produce Association. It’s all about…
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FSMA's Small Farm Exemption Has Its Limits
Food and farm advocates seem to agree that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is somewhat limited in what it can do for small farmers and producers as it implements the Food Safety Modernization …
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Proposed Rule for Food Processors Alarms Some, Confuses Many
“Coming down like a ton of bricks.” “Complicated and interwoven.” “Costly.” “The end of many small- and mid-size farms and food processors.” “Never heard of it.” “A work in progress.” When asked about FDA’s new…
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FDA Expands Outreach to Farmers Concerned About FSMA Rules
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday stepped up its outreach to small- and medium-sized growers by launching more resources to help explain the sweeping new food safety rules. The move comes after several…
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Merrigan Expresses Worry About FSMA's Impact on Agriculture
Kathleen Merrigan, who recently left her role as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said this week she is concerned about the negative impact the Food Safety Modernization Act could have…
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Washington Videos Help Small Farmers With Food Safety
As part of its “Bridging the Gaps” program, the Washington State Department of Agriculture launched a new video in its effort to help small and diversified growers meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
The video, which…
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Powerful Coalition Gains Exemption for Small Farmers
Russell Libby and Brian Snyder walked out of the Rayburn House Office Building on a brilliant spring day in April 2009 shaking their heads.
The two were on Capitol Hill representing the interests of small…
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Maine Congresswoman Unveils Bill to Support Small Farms
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) announced Monday she will introduce a bill that would “significantly change the nation’s food policy” by supporting local and regional farmers.
The package of reforms and new programs, dubbed The Local…
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