Western Growers has announced a series of listening sessions to receive input and comments about a draft of proposed changes to the LGMA metrics.
With the LGMA entering its 10th year, this project was initiated to encompass an in-depth and thorough review of the metrics, led by Western Growers (WG) and iFood Decision Sciences (IDS). The two goals of the project are to ensure that the Metrics: 1) continue to be based on the best science and 2) fully align with the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. WG and IDS considered the following sources in developing this draft proposal:
- Peer-reviewed research presented at CPS
- Findings from an expert review panel
- Harmonized Food Safety Standard
- FSMA Produce Safety Rule
Most important in this project is aligning the metrics with the PSR and gaining concurrence by the FDA that the two do align. This will allow the LGMA to request that the FDA recognizes and accepts a successful LGMA audit as meeting the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule, eliminating the need for the FDA to visit and inspect LGMA handlers and their growers.
This draft proposal includes major revisions to the metrics needed to meet the stated goals of the project, and the listening sessions are your opportunity to participate in the process. They provide a forum for the industry to comment on the proposal with the goal of preparing a final version that reflects industry consensus and support that will be accepted by the LGMA Advisory Board.
WG has scheduled listening sessions in all of the major growing areas to allow maximum participation. We urge LGMA members to register and participate in these sessions.
May 4: Santa Maria at the Radisson Hotel Santa Maria. Register
May 5: Salinas at the Salinas City Rotunda. Register
May 23: Imperial at the Farm Credit Services Southwest. Register
May 24: Yuma at the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture. Register
All sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
