Dole signs leafy greens marketing agreement

This Feb. 6 release from Dole says the marketer of fruits and vegetables has signed the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.
From the release:

Dole has always used GAP in all its growing operations and the Company has been a strong supporter of the Agreement as a standard for the industry. Dole has taken food safety one step further by applying the California standards in all states where its leafy greens are grown.

Tk: Applying the California standards to all states is a move that should be followed by other marketers as well.

More from the release:

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement will set mandatory and specific standards for leafy greens supply; the California Department of Health Services will monitor compliance with the new standards. Facilitated by the Western Growers Association, Dole worked collaboratively with a group that consisted of growers, processors, regulators and members of academia to formulate the Agreement.
Eric Schwartz, President of Dole Fresh Vegetables, said: “Dole is in full support of a uniform, national, leafy greens food safety standard that will set mandatory and explicit guidelines in the produce industry. We strongly encourage our retail and food service customers to support the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement by requiring their produce suppliers to sign this Agreement.” Mr. Schwartz also commented that “Food safety is our top priority. This is another example of our commitment to work with government, industry leaders, trade organizations and food safety experts to continuously seek ways to improve and enhance food safety for consumers.”

Tk: We will wait for more news of participation among California growers but I would anticipate the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement will have overwhelming support.