Produce Safety Best Practices - Western Growers Association Western Growers Association

CAN Working Group #5

Scientific Engagement & Collaboration to translate the CALS findings, evaluate existing best practices, develop guidance and strengthen coordinated efforts to reduce risk across the agricultural ecosystem

Workgroup #5 is being formed to accelerate translation of new information from the California Longitudinal Study into action through engagement of additional partners and new work products and outreach plans.

Our Purpose

This work group was created to champion and facilitate clear producer and industry information, identify next steps and support action related to food safety practices informed by CALS and previous research. The group is focused on reviewing food safety co-management strategies for nearby or adjacent lands used for fresh produce, livestock, wildlife conservation, grazing and compost operations, with the goal of developing practical recommendations for neighbor-to-neighbor risk reduction strategies.

The work group is intended to bridge scientific findings and real-world agricultural practice. Rather than leaving CALS findings only at the research level, the group will help turn them into clear guidance, outreach materials and practical recommendations that can support producers, industry stakeholders and the broader agricultural community. This effort is grounded in collaboration and a One Health approach that recognizes the interaction between food safety, agriculture, livestock, wildlife, conservation and public health.

Participate

Strategic Approach

CALS represents updated and refreshed information on the agricultural ecosystem. New technologies offer increased learning opportunities (metagenomics, optimized sampling & testing techniques). This allows for evaluation of prior relationships, focused follow-ups and improved resolution of factors with the agricultural environment.

Objectives:

Translate CALS findings and other scientific literature into clear, distilled field-level recommendations.
Identify co-management needs tied to food safety and adjacent land uses.
Develop work products such as talking points, summaries, tools and guidance documents.
Align recommendations with appropriate public health and regulatory considerations.
Support updates to related efforts such as the Research Roadmap, QMRA and outreach and education materials.

Outcomes

Build Practical Guidance

Establish abroad stakeholder group that can critically review CALS findings and apply them in the context of current science and agricultural practices. This includes producing guidance for Southwestern U.S. agricultural producers on how to consider CALS outcomes in their operations.

Support Outreach and Education

Identify the resources, partnerships and sustained collaboration needed to communicate information effectively and support long-term outreach and education.

Identify Next Steps for Long-Term Success

Determine critical future actions, additional work products, and opportunities to strengthen long-term support for the agricultural community, including support for University of California Cooperative Extension capacity.