Cantaloupe Best Practices In collaboration with IFPA, the team is updating the National Best Practices for Cantaloupe and Netted Melons, focusing on growing, harvesting and packing operations to advance food safety practices for cantaloupe production. Heavy Metals We completed two scientific articles on spinach and cadmium safety and continue to lead working groups on scientific articles for agronomic management strategies and bioavailability.
Sustainable Packaging In partnership with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and Qfresh Lab, we launched the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment for North America (SPPA) to address the evolving landscape of packaging requirements imposed by both governments and retailers throughout North America. The objective of this project is to align on scientifically sound, accessible and sustainable fresh produce packaging guidelines for the fresh produce industry in North America. FDA Traceability Rule Western Growers conducted a member outreach assessment in June 2024 to identify key issues with the implementation of the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule under FSMA 204. Coalition of Food Safety and Sustainability Formed in 2023, a volunteer group we lead is advancing the coexistence of food safety and sustainable practices. Four working groups meet regularly to develop infographics on compost use, water use/reuse, biodiversity and compliance issues, with a plan for in-person symposiums and activities planned for 2025.
Fresh Produce Coalition We, along with STOP Foodborne Illness, co-lead the Fresh Produce Coalition (FPC), which includes broad membership from consumer, retailer and government associations and seeks to improve the food safety support systems (government and private) for fresh produce. Pollinators and Invasive Species We collaborated with grower organizations, CDFA and UFWS to help growers combat invasive species, protect endangered species and find opportunities to foster beneficial insects and pollinator biodiversity on farms. The team developed concerted informational outreach materials, interviews and field days highlighting grower stories and resources for growers. Adjacent Land Use In collaboration with Texas Tech University, we initiated the S.A.F.E. (Sustainable Agricultural Food Ecosystem) Think Tank, which brought together experts from animal production, grower trade and academia to address food safety challenges in regions with overlapping animal and produce operations. The SAFE Think Tank first meeting led to a successful report on research gaps and needs.
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