Together on produce safety

PMA and United have just issued a statement indicating both groups have found agreement with an "independent but common" conclusion that produce safety standards must be federally mandated, risk-based and allow for commodity specific regulation.

TK: This is a watershed moment. Both organizations have staked their positions in the same camp, and that is a sign of unity and solidarity that must be appreciated by their members. In my view, neither PMA or United wants federal mandates for produce safety that weigh down the industry with excessive costs. However, both groups understand the need for federal oversight to restore consumer confidence. What is problematic is the fact that the public has substantially less confidence in the FDA right now than they have in produce growers.