White Paper - New York State Office for the Aging

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS
Result:
The trend toward larger farm operations run by a new generation of more sophisticated
farm operators has increased the demand by farmers for technical assistance from
programs such as the Agricultural Environmental Management Program. Providing
farmers with the technical assistance that they need would allow farms to continue to
maintain profitability in an increasingly difficult business and regulatory environment.
Priority Issue #3:
Increased number of food safety investigations due to a larger elderly population.
Action:
The current rules that regulate food retailers should be amended to provide for better
education of food retailers and increased knowledge of food safety. The most effective
action that can be taken to improve food safety is to improve the food handling
practices of food retailers. A proposed change to the existing Agriculture and Markets
regulation has already been submitted for approval.
The needed regulatory change that has been proposed would require that food retailers
demonstrate a minimum level of food safety knowledge. The Department will need to
ensure that affordable education programs are available to all retailers, regardless of
location or size.
Result:
Increased knowledge of food safety practices resulting in a safer food supply.
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