What are the Best Management Practices On-Farm After a Flood? By Afreen Malik, Science Programs Director
On Feb. 1, 2023, Western Growers, in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, held a webinar titled “On-Farm Flood Management and Response.” The webinar was offered to answer important flood management questions and was presented by Dr. Ali Stickland, FDA Biologist; Dr. Erin Leigh DiCaprio, Associate Professor UC Davis Cooperative Extension; Vivian Soffa, County Executive Director Farm Service Agency; and Angie Ramirez, Food Safety and Organic Compliance Manager, Triangle Farms. After considering these factors, a food safety professional should assess the level of impact and mitigation and management strategies.
The speakers addressed best management practices and mitigation strategies that may be applied on-farm after a flood event. They also discussed technical resources and emergency disaster assistance programs that can help farmers address flood related challenges. Here are important learnings in Q&A format: 1. How does the FDA define flooding? Flooding is the flowing or overflowing of a field with water outside a grower’s control. Pooled water (for example, after rainfall) that is not reasonably likely to cause contamination of the edible portion of fresh produce is not considered flooding. 2. What environmental factors and commodity characteristics should growers consider when evaluating the impact of flooding to crops? Consider the following when conducting a flood assessment: a. The source of flood water (runoff from adjacent land use, overflow from nearby stream, overflow from nearby irrigation canal, or pooling from overhead rain) b. Consider the type of crop and whether edible portion of the crop has potentially contacted flood water—edible portion is close to ground or in contact with flood water (spinach/ lettuce) or edible portion is on a stalk, away from and not in contact with flood water (broccoli/cauliflower/artichoke). In some cases, your crop may be too young to have any edible portion developed. In this case, the risk of contamination would be considered low. c. Stage of growth (very young with no edible crop or mature crop, close to harvest) d. Level of inundation—how flooded is the field/ crop? e. Duration of flooding—how long before the water receded from the field? f. Results of testing (water source, soil, etc.)
3. What mitigation and management strategies should growers implement after a flood event? Growers should consider the following mitigation strategies post-flooding to minimize the risk of cross contamination: a. Segregate flooded crops from non-flooded crops using visible markers such as flags b. Establish a 30-foot buffer between flooded and non-flooded areas c. Avoid movement of people/equipment between flooded and non-flooded areas d. Where movement can’t be avoided, use sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination e. Protect wellheads and other water sources. If water sources have been impacted, take appropriate corrective actions and test the water source before use to verify water quality is suitable for intended use. 4. Who can growers contact for assistance with flood damage assessment? Growers can contact their local Farm Service Agency, extension specialists and agricultural trade associations for assistance. Western Growers and other entities have online resources: PowerPoint Presentation (wga.s3.amazonaws. com) On Farm Flood Management and Response Webinar | February 1st, 2023 – YouTube Assistance Resources for Farmers Impacted by Recent Flooding | Western Growers (wga.com) 5. How long must a grower wait to replant a crop after flooding has occurred? What are the requirements for conventional crops? What are the requirements for organic crops? a. Per FDA guidance, a waiting period depends on conditions, but state/LGMA/research
12
MARCH | APRIL 2023
Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online