Genesee County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan

Genesee County: Agricultural Development Plan
PRODUCE
‣ Per capita consumption of fresh produce increased 12 percent during 1987-97.
‣ During the 1989-98 period, the per capita consumption of apples dropped 10%,
peaches 17% and grapes 8%.
‣ Growers and shippers who provide consistent volume, packaging and grading can
receive improved prices and long term buying relationships.
‣ Growers can reach markets that were once not accessible in a matter of one or two
days with improved technology from the field to the packing shed and transportation
system.
‣ The demand for value-added, fresh cut, and ready to eat prepared foods continues to
increase dramatically due to the high cost of labor and the importance of home meal
replacements.
‣ Consumer demand for local, retail farmers markets and direct farmer interaction is
increasing. This trend is led by the consumers desire for high quality fresh products
as well as a desire to understand how the crop was produced.
REGULATIONS
‣ The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 established a strong, health-based safety
standard for pesticide residues in all foods and has had the most profound impact on
the production practices of fruits and vegetables.
o A major component of this Act is the Consumer Right to Know. The
Consumer Right to Know requires distribution of a brochure in grocery stores
on the health effects of pesticides, how to avoid risks, and which foods have
tolerances for pesticide residues based on benefits considerations.
o The re-registration process with the new tolerance levels and reduction in
benefits will and has reduced the number and types of pest management tools
for the agricultural community.
o The primary change in food safety management is the early adoption of
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning in both fresh
produce marketing and value-added processing. Despite the fact that the
produce industry is not subject to mandated HACCP planning, many
institutional and large wholesale buyers have made it a requirement.
Copyright©, 2001: Agricultural & Community Development Services, Inc, Columbia, MD 11