Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with the Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
Farmer John Vollmer, center, of Franklin County voices concerns to federal food safety officials during a listening session at the State Fairgrounds. Other panelists included produce growers Faylene Whitaker of Randolph County and Wayne Mitchem of Lincoln County.
Officials with the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture were in Raleigh on Monday, Sept. 28, to hear the comments and concerns of North Carolina produce growers about proposed federal food safety legislation. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler played host to the listening session at the State Fairgrounds. Afterward, the federal officials visited two Triangle-area farms.
Congress is considering legislation that would revamp food safety in the U.S. The bill (H.R. 2749) passed the House this summer and awaits action in the Senate.
More than 50 farmers, government officials, extension agents and representatives of farm groups attended the session, which featured a panel of producers as well as questions from the audience.
Small farmers voiced concerns about the financial burden of additional regulation. They want any new regulations to reflect science and common sense. And they see the need for research on keeping water supplies used for irrigation safe from contamination by wildlife and other animals.
Listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda Garrison recap the session.
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