Need a source for credible information about the safety of fruits and vegetables? Then take a look at the newly updated website of the Alliance for Food and Farming at www.foodandfarming.info.
The Alliance for Food and Farming is a non-profit group which exists to deliver credible information to consumers about the safety of all fruits and vegetables. The organization has been around since 1989, but many in the produce industry are still unfamiliar with its work.
“We’re working hard to raise the profile of our organization within the produce industry,” said Matt McInerney, executive vice president of Western Growers and the current chairman of the Alliance for Food and Farming. “As part of that effort we have revised and updated our website with some basic information about the Alliance and the work we do to assure consumers about the safety of fruits and vegetables.”
“The goal of the Alliance for Food and Farming is to communicate honestly about important issues which can impact consumer confidence in fruits and vegetables,” said Executive Director Marilyn Dolan. “Experts around the world agree that eating more fruits and vegetables is the best thing we can do to reduce disease, prevent obesity and improve our health. But, consumers sometimes need to know more about organic and conventional fruits and vegetables so they can make the right shopping choices for themselves and their families. The Alliance for Food and Farming exists to help provide this information.”
According to Dolan, the Alliance for Food and Farming uses information from experts in science, nutrition and farming and then offers facts and information about the safety of fruits and vegetables sold in the United States. The organization is voluntarily funded by both conventional and organic farmers and farming organizations.
“What is very unique about this group is that it is truly an alliance of other organizations from throughout the produce industry,” explains McInerney, noting that Alliance membership is made up of over 50 organizations including national and regional trade associations, commodity groups and individual grower-shippers.
A list of the Alliance for Food and Farming Board members is posted on the new website and includes the Produce Marketing Association, United Fresh Produce Association, the California Grape and Tree Fruit League, Northwest Horticultural Council, and the U.S. Potato Board along with Western Growers and nine other produce commodity groups.
“When it comes to the issue of pesticide residues, we have made a some tremendous inroads in changing the way the media covers this important issue as part of an Alliance for Food and Farming initiative called Safe Fruits & Veggies launched in 2010,” said McInerney. “This has been one of the most successful educational outreach campaigns in the history of the produce industry and is a great example of how a united effort to fight back can make real change."
In addition to the issue of pesticide residues, the Alliance also provides information on foodborne illness as well as other fruit and vegetable food safety issues.
The new Alliance website provides an overview of the food safety topics the group addresses and includes information about the benefits of Alliance membership and explains how to join the Alliance.
The Alliance for Food and Farming is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers and farms of all sizes. Alliance contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers. Our mission is to deliver credible information to consumers about the safety of all fruits and vegetables. The Alliance does not engage in any lobbying nor do we accept any money or support from the pesticide industry.
Source: The Alliance for Food and Farming