Get informed! In a push to write new food & safety rules based on the USDA Food Safety Modernization Act passed by Congress, sustainable & organic agriculture, local food, & farm conservation efforts may face new challenges, that may put many farms out of business, reduce the supply of fresh, local produce in schools & hospitals, push farmers to pull out wildlife habitat & increase the use of chemicals rather than natural fertilizers...

Join the Santa Barbara Food Policy Council tonight to learn more!
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA):
A FREE Workshop -Santa Barbara 5-7 PM, November 11, 2013
Santa Barbara Watershed Resource Center, Arroyo Burro County Park(Hendry’s Beach)

The FDA has proposed food safety rules that will affect anyone growing fruits, vegetables, nuts or processing food. The comment period on these rules closes on November 15.  Every concerned citizen should weigh in and tell the FDA how these rules will influence the way small farmers farm.  This will have a huge effect on local farmers and ultimately our entire community. This workshop is designed to help individuals understand the proposed rules and learn how to comment.

·  Discuss some of the potential impacts of these rules on small farms, organic farms, sustainable agriculture, mixed crop/livestock farms and CSAs.
·  Learn about the issues that will affect farmers the most.
·  Learn how to comment to the FDA.
·  Take home some written materials that will help you comment to the FDA.

Discussion led by:

• Dave Runsten, Policy Director, CAFF (Community Alliance with Family Farmers)
• Jo Ann Baumgartner, Executive Director, Wild Farm Alliance

Location: 2981 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, at Arroyo Burro County Beach Park (also known as Hendry’s Beach)

Directions: Exit the 101 Freeway at Las Positas, and head south (towards the ocean, away from the mountains). Continue to the end of Las Positas and turn right onto Cliff Drive. Make a left into the parking lot at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. The Watershed Resource Center is the first building on the right as you enter the parking lot.

Parking: Since parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged, and bicycle parking is available. When using public transit, take Santa Barbara MTD Line 5, Stop D.

Want to learn more about what FSMA is all about?  Ways to take action?
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition:
  http://sustainableagriculture.net/


This event hosted by the Santa Barbara Food Policy Council

 
(805) 962-2571
P.O. Box 92156, Santa Barbara, CA 93190
margie@sbpermaculture.org
www.sbpermaculture.org

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