Managers' statement: the mushroom provision

From the managers' statement on the mushroom provision of the farm bill. Again, the conference report treads lightly on the explicit authorization of "food safety" in USDA promotion orders, but allows the development of Good Agricultural Practices. From the statement:


(13) Mushroom promotion research and consumer information
The House bill: (1) amends the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990, (2) reflects the changed geographic distribution of mushroom growers and their productivity by combining the regions that are represented on the Board, and increasing the number of pounds required for representation in the region, and (3) allows the development of good agricultural practices and good handling practices under the mushroom research and promotion order. (Section 10109)
The Senate amendment is the same as the House bill, except also allows the development of food safety programs under the promotion order. (Section 1853)

The Conference substitute adopts the House provision with an amendment to clarify that the mushroom council may develop and propose to the Secretary programs for good agricultural and good handling practices and related activities for mushrooms. (Section 10104)