AMS No. 180-07

Jimmie Turner (202) 720-6179

jimmie.turner@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2007 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on a proposed federal marketing program to regulate the handling of leafy green vegetables throughout the country. The public -- growers, handlers, buyers, sellers and consumers of leafy greens -- is invited to submit comments and information that would help USDA evaluate the need and support for a nationwide program.

USDA is considering implementation of a marketing program in response to public and industry concern about reducing the risk of pathogenic contamination during the production and handling of leafy greens. Options being considered: a marketing agreement that requires handlers to comply with the agreement’s regulations after voluntarily entering the program; and a marketing order that would be implemented following a grower referendum, requiring mandatory compliance for all handlers.

USDA believes that a marketing agreement is most likely to meet the needs of the national industry. In the program under consideration, packers, processors, shippers and marketers, as signatories under a marketing agreement of leafy greens, could be required to certify -- and for USDA to verify -- that their products are produced and handled according to best practices specified under the agreement.

If the response to this request is favorable, USDA will proceed with the development of the marketing program in cooperation with the industry and a notice of public hearing will be published in the Federal Register. Public comment and rulemaking will precede implementation of the proposed marketing agreement.

The request for comments, including a list of specific topics of interest to USDA, was published in the Oct. 4, 2007, Federal Register. Comments must be received by Dec. 3, 2007. Copies may be obtained from Laurel May or Kathy Finn, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0237, Washington, DC 20250-0237; by calling (202) 720-2491; or faxing (202) 720-8938.

An electronic version of this news release can be obtained via the Internet at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/news/newsrel.html.