ACTION ALERT: Don’t let new food safety regulation overburden organic farms

According to the Cornucopia Institute, all the fuss over proposed HR 875 may be exaggerated. This rule does not directly threaten small-scale, organic family farms. What looks more problematic is a related proposed rule, HR 759, which seeks to address the recent flurry of food safety issues with one-size-fits all electronic reporting requirements, and will likely put small-scale producers at a disadvantage.

Lawmakers need to recognize that “unlike conventional farms, organic producers are already highly regulated in managing manure by composting and other requirements that dramatically reduce pathogenic risk. Spinach, tomatoes, peppers, almonds, and peanuts are in no way inherently dangerous.

“The final bill needs to state clearly that food safety regulations should not interfere with any farmer’s ability to follow and comply with the regulations of the Organic Foods Production Act. Organic farmers are already audited and inspected on an annual basis. They already have a plan for their farm—an ‘organic system management plan.’”

Contact implicated representatives now to tell them that the new food safety policy, while well-intentioned, MUST be small-farm and community oriented, and make the appropriate distinctions. Act now