Opinion: Working Multiple Fronts For Fumigant Compliance
January 1, 2010 New label requirements for pre-plant fumigants proposed by EPA are expected to be approved in the coming months, and FFVA is leading an effort to develop training, certification, and compliance materials for Florida growers.
The proposed labeling amendments include new requirements for grower/applicators, and creating the need for outreach and training so they can understand the rationale behind the new labels and the options available to them in order to comply.
For the first time, the labels will require that documentation pertaining to Standard Operating Procedures (and related Good Agricultural Practices) and fumigation management plans be in place before application. “These requirements have not been part of the labeling of any pesticide in the past, and they will generate significant new responsibilities, liabilities, and worker documentation requirements for growers who continue to use these products,” says Dan Botts, FFVA’s vice president of industry resources.
Although individual product registrants are expected to provide fumigant-specific training, there is significant concern over the core aspects of fumigant use and the need for an initial basic training program as well.
Botts and FFVA membership director Mike Aerts are part of a group that has met twice to begin developing a core training session to meet growers’ immediate needs. Botts is serving as co-chair. The group is scheduled to meet again later this month.
Navigating The Canadian Marketplace
According to the Canadian government’s website, agricultural products are Florida’s No. 1 export sector to Canada, accounting for $736 million in 2007. Canadian exports represent about 10% of the tomato production, amounting to about $50 million last season. Many growers are eyeing marketing opportunities in Canada but might have questions.
FFVA will present “Navigating the Canadian Marketplace,” a seminar that will be held in several locations throughout South Florida from Jan. 19-22. Topics to be covered include commercial dispute resolution, food safety standardization, current and pending trade regulatory instruments, pesticide maximum residue levels, new Canadian organic regulations, and more.
The seminar will include either a buffet lunch or dinner. For more details, contact [email protected] or 321-214-5200.
GAP Harmonization
Grower-shipper processors, members of the retail and foodservice industries, and representatives of produce associations — including FFVA — are working to harmonize standards and audits for Good Agricultural Practices.
The effort (Produce GAP Harmonization Initiative) was launched after discussion at the Global Conference on produce food safety standards held in conjunction with the United Fresh Produce Association convention in April. “Our goal is that one audit by any credible third party can be acceptable to all buyers,” says Brian Kocher of Chiquita Brands North America, who leads the initiative’s steering committee.
At its first meeting in September, the steering committee members agreed developing the standards would be an open and transparent process that would welcome all industry players to participate.
A technical working group plans to meet in 2010 to examine similarities and differences in existing GAP standards in an effort to develop harmonized GAP standards for proposal back to the steering committee.
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