After nearly a decade of congressional debates, regulatory wrangling, and implementation delays, the deadline for compliance of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is now approaching. Thanks to organizations (like FTCLDF!) working for small farmers, artisan producers, and local food consumers, most small-scale producers are exempt from…
Federal News
The Devil is Always in the Details: A Member’s Question
Understanding FSIS compliance is a challenging component of farming, and oftentimes can be confusing. Recently, an FTCLDF member had a question regarding the 20,000 exemption for poultry. Dr. Fisher provided a thoughtful, thorough response, and we thought it would be helpful….
Understanding FSIS Language
Fall 1979. I received the book list for my first semester classes in veterinary college. Top of the list: Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary. That first year, I opened this book more than any other. Regulatory agencies, like medicine, have their own language. Unless you understand that language, you do not know what you are talking….
The Rules of the Game
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Fisher joins the FTCLDF website as a monthly contributor. Dr. Fisher is a retired United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) veterinarian, bringing decades of experience enforcing FSIS regulations during the slaughter and processing of animals for which the USDA…
Dear Congress: Support Local Meat in the Farm Bill
Congress will soon be considering the Farm Bill, so it’s time to tell your Representative to support common-sense regulations for local meat production! High-quality local meat can be hard to find, and one of the main reasons is the shortage of inspected slaughterhouses that are accessible to small farmers in many parts of the country.