Regulations
The Affordable Care Act’s excise tax and its effect on agricultural employers
Since the inception of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there has been a great amount of discussion about the requirements for employers and what Applicable Large Employers (ALE) – defined as 50 or more FTE’s for an... more »
Three more food safety rules finalized by FDA
FDA has published three final rules that are key components of the revised Food Safety Modernization Act. The rules are accessible through the online Federal Register links below. The Produce Safety rule establishes science-based standards... more »
LGMA issues statement on FDA’s final Produce Rule
At the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, we are carefully combing through the final rule to make sure our own food safety requirements meet or exceed what’s in this new law; LGMA members are committed to ensuring that... more »
New worker protection rules impact farm, greenhouse workers
Owners of farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses that use pesticides in agricultural plant production will have to implement additional safeguards for their pesticide handlers and agricultural workers under a revision to the Worker Protection Standard.... more »
FDA requests comments on use of term ‘natural’ on food labeling
Because of the changing landscape of food ingredients and production, and in direct response to consumers who have requested that the FDA explore the use of the term “natural,” the agency is asking the public... more »
Trio of final FSMA rules sent for publication in Federal Register
FDA has submitted the final produce safety, foreign supplier verification and third party accreditation rules of the Food Safety Modernization Act to the Federal Register for publication, as required by the court. An additional rule,... more »
UF receives grant to spread the word on food safety standards
The University of Florida will help lead the charge in educating stakeholders on the sweeping changes being made to national food safety regulations with a $1.2 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and... more »
Michigan Farm Bureau sues EPA over WOTUS
Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) Oct. 26 joined the growing list of combatants targeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the implementation of its rule redefining “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) in the Clean Water Act.... more »
California tests show low pesticide levels on produce
Tests on produce collected by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation indicate the vast majority of fruits and vegetables available for sale in California meet stringent federal pesticide safety standards. During its 2014 survey, DPR... more »
Marrone Bio Innovations receives EPA approval for Majestene bionematicide
Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI), a provider of bio-based pest management and plant health products for the agriculture, turf and ornamental and water treatment markets, has received EPA approval for its latest product, Majestene, a broad spectrum, high performance... more »