NFU supports priorities in food safety modernization  - 2009-11-20

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson has signed onto a coalition letter regarding the Food Safety Modernization Act, in an effort to prioritize and express the interests of America’s family farms.

“Any food safety legislation must recognize implications for farmers and their ability to continue to provide an affordable, safe and abundant food supply,” Johnson said.

Addressed in the letter are key concerns of the agricultural community, such as: traceability requirements, regulation of on-farm processing, addition of a grant program for food safety training for producers and small processors, consistency with existing organic standards, consideration of the needs of small- and medium-sized producers, and a focus on resources for proven areas of food safety risk.

“NFU is committed to working proactively and constructively with members of the Senate to pass food safety legislation that works for American farmers, ranchers and rural communities, while keeping consumers safe,” Johnson said.

NFU policy calls for a single food agency to oversee the U.S. food system as a whole, including imported products, and mandatory recall authority in case of a food safety outbreak.

This bill will be marked up in the Senate HELP Committee on Wednesday, November 19, 2009.