Letters and Comments for September 8, 2009

Letters and Comments for September 8, 2009

‘One size fits all’ doesn’t work

To the Editor:

As a small direct market farmer, I am very concerned about the Food Safety Modernization Act, which has passed out of the House and is making its way into the Senate as S.510.

Food safety is a topic of critical concern to me. I work diligently to ensure my product’s safety and sell directly to the consumer. I grow vegetables in biologically remineralized soils in Stanfield. I sell my patrons safe, nutrient-rich food at local farmers markets. I believe that knowing your farmer is the clearest path to food safety.

As the sole employee/owner of my business, I lack the capacity to complete the same paperwork requirements and pay the same fees those large, industrial producers and processors will be required to complete and pay. The income that I generate from these sales is an important part of my family’s income. The “One Size Fits All” approach to food safety will disproportionately harm the small independent producer/processor.

I urge our senators to insert a clear, understandable law — one where state and local public health and sanitation authorities are sufficiently guided to work with the small independent producers.

It gives me great pleasure to grow and sell an excellent product at farmers markets. And that’s why I am asking all who enjoy local-grown, fresh produce to please contact your senators to ensure that our ability as small farmers, using direct marketing, thrives rather than diminishes due to the proposed “one size fits all” approach to food safety.

Gus Wahner

Stanfield