LDAF Working on New Food Safety Law

By Don Molino, The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

During his report on the Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain said he testified Tuesday before the Louisiana State Senate Agriculture Committee about several bills, including the Produce Safety Rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act which is now in effect.

“Our department has received a multi-year federal grant of $3.6 million dollars,” Strain said, “that will go mostly to the LSU and Southern University Ag Centers where they are going to be doing outreach to make sure producers are in compliance with the produce safety rules in order to stay in the market place for commercial distribution.”

The rule affects farmers who sell at least $25,000 per year over the last three years “moving into commerce,” according to Strain.

The Commissioner also reminded his listeners they can watch the legislature live online at:  legis.state.la.us.