The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently announced the grant funding of The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. OPGMA was awarded funding for the development of an “Ohio Fresh Produce Marketing Agreement.” OPGMA has begun developing an Ohio-specific food safety standard for fresh produce that takes into consideration the climate, commodities, and cultural practices unique to state fresh fruit and vegetable growers.

While there are currently several proposed marketing agreements and regulatory programs in the development process, all of them are national standards based on a one-size-fits-all model. OPGMA will be conducting seven “listening sessions” around the state to inform Ohio growers about the national proposals and the “The Ohio Project,” which is an alternative to the proposed national standards.

The intent of these listening sessions is to:
1) Provide a food safety update on proposed national programs and how they would affect Ohio growers.
2) Explain the Ohio Fresh Produce Marketing Agreement and how it would provide an alternative to the national programs.
3) Outline the action steps for an individual grower or operation should take to prepare and protect one’s business
4) Answer questions and receive input regarding the design and implementation of an Ohio Fresh Produce Marketing Agreement.

Click here for questions raised at the listening sessions.

For more information, questions, or comments e-mail foodsafety@opgma.org.