In an effort to promote dialogue between different sectors of California agriculture regarding ways to prevent future foodborne illness outbreaks, the California Department of Food and Agriculture in collaboration with the University of California and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are bringing both the livestock and produce communities together in a series of workshops called Good Ag Neighbors. The first workshop kicked off today at the Desert Research and Extension Center in Holtville. The second workshop is scheduled for June 13, 2019, at the Robert J Cabral Ag Center in Stockton.
These workshops are intended to connect fruit and vegetable growers, livestock owners and others interested in learning about how produce safety and livestock management practices can work jointly to promote food safety. The day-long agenda will focus in the morning on reviewing regulations, laws, and practices already in place to protect food and environmental safety, while the afternoon will be spent in various breakout groups examining how these practices can be leveraged. Hank Giclas, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, Science & Technology, is among the presenters speaking during the workshop.