Food safety bill

The Senate is set to vote on the Food Safety Modernization Act (S.510)– tomorrow, November 17.  This Bill expands the FDA’s authority over not only large agribusiness and processed food producers but small-scale, organic farmers as well. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition offers this report regarding a sustainable agriculture perspective on food safety.

There are two important amendments to this Bill that small-scale, local and organic farmers need to protect themselves from potential financial burden. The Tester-Hayden Amendment will improve food safety outcomes by providing size-appropriate requirements. While the Manager’s Amendment includes 5 components, such as providing a USDA-sponsored competitive grants program for food safety training for small and mid-size farmers. The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance shares important facts and figures related to this bill and for additional information regarding what you can do to help, check out Food Democracy Now!