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On-Farm Readiness Review demonstration held in Raleigh for farmer FSMA compliance outreach
Story Date: 8/16/2018
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Source: NCDA&CS, 8/15/18
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS), North Carolina Farm Bureau (NCFB), and North Carolina State University today hosted a stakeholder demonstration event of the On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) process in Raleigh, North Carolina. The OFRR process was developed by a team comprised of NASDA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Cooperative Extension food safety leaders to serve the guiding principle of “educate before – and while – you regulate” under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The two-day event included a classroom setting for background and overview of FSMA and the OFRR process followed by a second day with an on-farm shadow experience of a live demonstration of an OFRR.
Quote from National Association of State Departments of Agriculture:
“We developed this process to foster dialogue among farmers, regulators, and educators about the requirements of the Produce Safety rule under FSMA,” said NASDA CEO Dr. Barbara P. Glenn. “We encourage all producers to take part in these voluntary, confidential, and free assessments, regardless of their size. Producer education, before regulation, remains a critical component of a successful preventive approach to food safety.”
Quote from North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
“Food safety is a top priority for any producer, regardless of the commodity, and I know farmers want to do, and will continue to do, the right thing when it comes to producing a safe product,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Food Safety Modernization Act represents the most sweeping changes in food safety in 70 years. These voluntary On Farm Readiness Reviews will help ensure growers know what is expected with these new rules and help them meet compliance.”
Quote from North Carolina Farm Bureau:
“Our farmers work hard every day to grow healthy, nutritious food for the American public,” said North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten. “The On Farm Readiness Review is a valuable opportunity for farmers to understand where they stand in terms of compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. North Carolina farmers want to do the right thing. We believe in the philosophy “Educate Before You Regulate.”
“As the state’s largest general farming organization, North Carolina Farm Bureau works every day to make sure our elected officials and regulators understand the importance of farmers to our state and our country.”
Quote from North Carolina State University:
"Food safety is taking center stage in America, as more consumers and retailers are demanding accountability from their food supply,” said NC State Extension Director Dr. Richard Bonanno. “In North Carolina, we’re fortunate to have a statewide network of expertise and partnerships dedicated to guiding our farmers through these regulatory requirements and growing the state’s $74 billion agriculture industry.”
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