(This post is the opinion of the author and not that of The Antique Rose Emporium - San Antonio. For those that thought the previous Farmers Market post too radical - better skip reading this one....)
H.R. 875: Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 has broad language and covers any farm, ranch, vineyard, etc. with no exact definitions. This bill implicitly includes everything (farms, ranches, vineyards, etc.) unless it explicitly excludes something. Learn to read "political speak".
Just as the barcodes from the supermarket, small farmers (at the weekly farmers markets) will have to keep track of who buys what produce, and when the consumer plans on consuming it. Produce, raw milk, etc. can be deemed "hazardous" until it is deemed "approved". (Really.)
Obviously, I have taken a great deal out of context but you get the gist of my point. Yes, the bill is supposed to "save us" from any wrong doing by a agricultural grower/processor, etc. especially since the whole peanut fiasco. My concern is the broad language leaves much for interpretation and can be used against the little guy by the big guys. Trust me I am all for capitalism and I hope to own my own mega-corporation someday but not at expense of the little people.
"Small farmers are the fastest growing sector of the US economy at approximately 10,000 farms per year." Debbie Stockton of the National Independent Consumers & Farmers Association.
Read more propaganda here. And here. Get involved here.
Support your local grower, learn where they farm, their practices. Be informed. Know what you buy. Know how to store and prepare your purchases. Take back your responsibility for your life. Do we really need to have the government do everything for us, including picking our produce?
