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- Title
Use of Surface Water in the Production of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Survey of Fresh Produce Growers and Their Water Management Practices.
- Authors
BIHN, ELIZABETH A.; SMART, CHRISTINE D.; HOEPTING, CHRISTINE A.; WOROBO, RANDY W.
- Abstract
Currently, there are no national surface water quality standards for water used in the production of fresh produce, although the proposed rule resulting from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and several commodity groups have adopted standards based on the Environmental Protection Agency's Ambient Water Quality Standards. A survey was conducted in the winter of 2008-2009 to assess current surface water management practices by fruit and vegetable growers in New york State. This survey was developed to better understand current irrigation water sources, how surface water sources are applied to fresh produce crops, whether water sources are being tested, and whether adjacent land uses are commonly assessed for produce safety risks. Eightyfour questionnaires were completed by growers in fifteen different counties throughout New york State. Survey data revealed that growers frequently utilize surface water sources and apply it overhead to grow a wide range of fresh produce commodities but that testing for microbial quality indicators and risk assessment of adjacent land are not common practices. Thirty-seven percent of growers who responded to the survey reported that fresh produce buyers had inquired about food safety practices on their farms. With continued food safety pressure from buyers and the FSMA proposed produce rule, more growers will need to adopt produce safety practices. This study highlights the need to understand current produce safety practices on the farm.
- Subjects
FARM produce; AGRICULTURAL water supply quality; FARMER surveys; WATER management; FOOD safety laws
- Publication
Food Protection Trends, 2013, Vol 33, Issue 5, p307
- ISSN
1541-9576
- Publication type
Article