A note from the Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association regarding the National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.

 

 

Food safety and the many facets of growing and selling fresh, safe food is a responsibility that we all take very seriously. Currently, there are discussions on several fronts as it pertains to Food Safety. One of these is the Western Growers Association’s (WGA) proposal to the USDA, a “National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.” This proposal can be viewed at www.wga.com.

 

This is a call to arms for the Ohio farmer to get involved. The USDA is holding an open hearing on this National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement proposal in Columbus this Tuesday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Columbus Convention Center. The Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association implores you to study the issue and attend the hearing to give your input. Your input is necessary for the protection of Ohio growers and producers. Our voice must be heard.

 

The proposal includes several issues that cause great concern for Ohio growers and small- to medium-sized growers across the United States. The proposal, written by WGA, is designed for very large California farms and the style of agriculture used in that part of the country. The tenants of the proposal have been rejected by thousands of small- and medium-sized farmers who, as a result of this standard, now have no place to sell their harvest.

 

While OPGMA applauds efforts to control contamination issues and believes that the focus on strengthening our farming standards is vitally important, we are concerned by the rush to pass what appears to be a one-size-fits-all national standard. The review of practices to define water standards, to look at critical hygiene factors, and the examination of other farming standards from a risk point of view is a good start; however the manner in which it is discussed cannot be rushed, and the ability of Ohio to be involved in this discussion cannot be muted. As a result, OPGMA cannot endorse the national effort.  

 

Your voice is needed to promote and protect Ohio growers. We want our own standard for Ohio, not one that does not fit our states.

 

 

OPGMA is currently undertaking its own efforts to define the best ways to protect Ohio farming and its diverse market. This grower-initiated study of Ohio farming practices will address our diverse farming culture and local ways to implement reasonable and cost-effective strategies to allow Ohio farmers to control their own market with standards written to promote and protect our produce.

 

Dr. Karl Kolb, project manager for the Ohio farm food safety effort, is available to discuss this action by making an appointment at 715-723-4915.

 

More information on this project is forthcoming. We invite you to be a part of this process as well. For more information, please go to www.opgma.org.

 

Thank you,

Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association

2130 Stella Ct

Columbus, OH 43215

614-487-1117

Fax: 614-487-1216

opgma@ofa.org

www.opgma.org

 

 

 

Beth Fausey, Ph.D.

Floriculture and Hydroponic Vegetable Extension Educator

Director, Agricultural Business Enhancement Center

Ohio State University Extension

639 S. Dunbridge Rd., Suite 4

Bowling Green, OH 43402

Phone:    419-354-6916 ext.11

Toll Free: 800-358-4678

Fax:        419-354-6416

www.abe.osu.edu

www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/hydroponics