Food Safety (continued)
As consumers become more interested and concerned about food sources and the safety of that food, state and federal government agencies respond with policies regulating producers, processors, and distributors of consumables. Unfortunately, the policies are generated by governing bodies often quite removed (as is most of its citizenry) from day-to-day farming operations. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)is trying to get ahead of the curve rather than wait for word to come down from “on high” with regard to what rules and regulations will affect the way we earn a living farming and marketing fresh food here in Maine. The organization has been acting as a voice for a population with “boots on the ground” (and in the ground and covered with ground and tracking ground across the livingroom floor) who are being affected by the policies and laws that are created in Augusta and in Washington, D.C.
MOFGA also acts as an intermediary to translate government policies into locally workable solutions. During farmers’ “slow time” (there is a slow time?!) this past winter, Russell Libby and Cheryl Wixsom, both from MOFGA, travelled around the state to meet with members of farming organizations like the Presque Isle Farmers Market. They are encouraging farmers to generate a Food Safety Plan specific to their operation. Putting this plan in place, it is hoped, will bring members’ farms into compliance with regulations currently under discussion in Washington.
Presque Isle Farmers Market members received a certificate acknowledging attendance and participation in the Food Safety training program. More importantly, however, members went back to their farms with specific tools to encourage them to look at their current facilities and practices with a fresh eye and maybe some new ideas for improved food safety.
Stop by the Aroostook Centre Mall parking lot on Saturday mornings between now and October to visit with local farmers, listen to their ideas and plans, but most importantly, to take home something fresh and locally grown for your enjoyment.
Editor’s note: This weekly column is written by members of the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market. For more information or to join, contact their secretary/treasurer Steve Miller of Westmanland at 896-5860 or via e-mail at beetree@xpressamerica.net.
