While Congress debates food safety bills, the FDA plans to move ahead with regulations on how fruits and vegetables are grown. Senior FDA and USDA officials will be in San Antonio next week, holding a listening session on the issues.
Come hear what they have to say and share your opinions. Whether you are a farmer growing fruits and vegetables, a CSA member, or a farmers' market advocate, please speak up! Below is the letter from the Texas Department of Agriculture with the time, location, and agenda.
From the Texas Department of Agriculture:
Dear Texas Farmer,
As a nationwide leader in agricultural production, Texas provides a substantial supply of food to our nation’s consumers. In an effort to assist Texas farmers with providing the safest food supply in the world, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) invites you to participate in a seminar and working meeting to discuss produce safety.
The meeting, hosted by state and federal officials, is an opportunity to comment on how federal food safety requirements impact your agricultural operation. This meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 27, from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Palo Alto College, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., San Antonio, TX, 78224. The event will take place in room #126 in the George Ozuna library and learning center.
Officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Texas Department of State Health Services and TDA will be at the meeting in San Antonio to listen to your concerns and experiences with implementing food safety requirements on your farming operations.
We are delighted to announce that Mike Taylor, FDA senior advisor to the commissioner; and Ann Wright, USDA deputy under secretary of agriculture for marketing and regulatory programs will be present to hear your comments. Senior regulatory staff, from all aforementioned agencies involved in developing future regulations, will also be in attendance.
The agenda for Tuesday, April 27 is:
8 – 8:30 a.m Registration
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. Welcome
Drew DeBerry, Texas Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner
Mike Taylor, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Ann Wright, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of State Health Services
8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Panel of industry experts gives perspectives on food safety requirements, including concerns and suggestions
9:45 – 10:15 a.m. Q&A with FDA, USDA and panel members
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Open session for audience to comment
This is a great opportunity to learn more about produce safety policy from both federal and state administrators.
Please contact Jessica Glover at (512) 475-1615 by April 23 to confirm your attendance.