We have created this blog to ascertain how the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA) is affecting farmers across the country.
Agriculture in the United States is a rich, diverse industry composed of small Mom and Pop stands and large, industrial operations. Less than 2% of our country's population feeds the other 98% . . . and a good part of the world as well. It is no exaggeration to say we owe our health, our tranquility, and our sovereignty in large measure to the men and women growing our produce and raising our livestock.
FSMA is the first nationwide legislation aimed at minimizing, if not preventing, contamination of produce at the farm level.
We would like to know how this legislation is working for America's farmers.
If you are one of the approximately 3.2 million farmers in the United States, this is your blog. A moderator will post talking points more or less weekly, but the real point is to hear from you.
What changes, if any, will you have to make to your operation to comply with FSMA? What costs, if any, will be associated with compliance? What benefits, if any, will you derive from FSMA? Do you believe FSMA will make our food supply safer? Why or why not?
In your posts, please tell us the type of operation you run (ex. dairy, diversified, fruit, etc.), the size (ex. acres, number of head, etc.), and the state in which you farm. Our Congressional delegates are interested in hearing how FSMA is working on the ground, and your stories will be invaluable.
We in Little Rhody look forward to hearing from our colleagues across the country. May the storytelling commence!
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