With the purported goal of implementing an agreement that uses scientific-based, best –management practices for the production and handling of leafy greens while also ensuring food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put together the proposed National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (NLGMA). Now, the agency will conduct seven listening session over the coming weeks to gather public input on the NLGMA.
According to Cary Blake’s story for the Southeast Farm Press, the program would “cover leafy greens grown in the U.S. and greens imported into the U.S.” Currently, the proposal enjoys the support of agricultural groups including the United Fresh Produce Association, the Produce Marketing Association, and the Western Growers among others.
Similar to the Arizona and California marketing agreements on leafy greens, which were developed following an E. coli outbreak in 2006 that was traced back to California-raised spinach, this national agreement would “provide a framework for signatory handlers to voluntarily enroll in the program. Once a member, handlers would be required to buy leafy greens only grown and handled according to accepted best management guidelines.” Three people died in the 2006 outbreak and the spinach industry lost close to $80 million in sales according to The Environmental Expert online.
Guidelines will likely be tailored to specific growing regions nationwide. The USDA says the NLGMA will be financed by assessments on first handlers of leafy greens. The NLGMA would be administered by a 23-member committee, most of whom will be growers and “handlers nominated by the industry and appointed by USDA.”
The dates and locations of the public meetings are as follows:
*Sept. 22-24, in Monterey, Calif., at the Hyatt Regency Monterey located at 1 Old Golf Course Rd.
*Oct. 14-15, in Yuma, Ariz., at the Yuma Convention Center, 1440 Desert Hills Dr.
*Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, Jacksonville, Fla.; Oct. 6, Columbus, Ohio; Oct. 8, Denver, Colo.; Oct. 20, Syracuse, N.Y.; and Oct. 22, Charlotte, N. C.
To read the Southeast Farm Press article on the agreement click here.
Public Comments Sought on Proposed Leafy Greens Rule
