In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between the food we eat, provided by the farmers who grow our food, and our overall health and wellness.
From fueling our bodies and preventing disease to supporting a balanced lifestyle, we discuss how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims.
You can listen to the full episode here.
On January 30, 2025, WG’s Sonia Salas will facilitate a panel discussion during the International Association for Food Protection’s webinar on crop field flooding and its impact on food safety. This session will highlight recent research, key food safety considerations and best practices for managing and preparing for flooding events.
Recent and ongoing weather events emphasize the importance of preparedness. This webinar will bring together insights from industry, global partners, academia and extension services to enhance food safety and build resilience. Join us to explore collaborative approaches to address these critical challenges.
Click here to register.
FDA released its final guidance for industry Action Levels for Lead in Processed Food Intended for Babies and Young Children.
This guidance provides the action levels for lead in processed food intended for babies and young children. The FDA defines processed food as “packaged food (e.g., in jars, pouches, tubs, or boxes) represented or purported to be for babies and young children less than two years old. It may include ready-to-eat foods (e.g., purees) as well as semi-prepared foods (i.e., dry infant cereals).”
The action levels for processed foods intended for babies and young children are as follows:
If growers of sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and other leafy greens, apples (pears), and grapes have any questions about this document or anything related to Closer to Zero, please contact [email protected]
Note: The FDA has stated “The action levels in this guidance are not intended to direct consumers in making food choices. To support child growth and development, we recommend parents and caregivers feed children a varied and nutrient-dense diet across and within the main food groups of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods.”
This week the California Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew its outstanding request for federal approval to fully implement its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule, which mandates the transition from diesel to zero-emission trucks and other vehicles.
To have moved forward with the full ACF rollout, CARB would have needed a waiver of preemption from EPA under the federal Clean Air Act, which gives California unique leeway to set its own air emissions standards. In December 2023, CARB issued a notice that it would halt ACF enforcement until it could secure the EPA waiver.
CARB’s withdrawal of its waiver request also likely impacts the efforts of several other states – including Colorado and New Mexico – that have repeatedly moved to copy California air standards. Specifically, the lack of a waiver for California could challenge if or how other states can move forward with their own aggressive zero-emission vehicle mandates.
Western Growers (WG) submitted both written and oral comments during the EPA public comment period last fall, urging it to deny the waiver request. WG also co-led a joint coalition letter that similarly urged EPA to deny the waiver. The letter is signed by 47 state and national organizations representing a diverse swath of the farming and agri-food supply chains.