November 3, 2008

ISSUE 1243

A dual focus on lessons learned in the recent Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak and implications of the EPA’s proposed fumigant changes dominated the third Florida Ag Expo on Nov. 5. An estimated 500-plus attendees filled the University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences’ Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm to hear from experts, learn about the center’s current research, and get a look at the latest offerings from participating vendors.

The Florida Tomato Committee’s Reggie Brown, food safety authority Dr. Martha Roberts and others reviewed the timeline of the salmonella outbreak and analyzed industry and regulatory agencies’ response. “Fingers were pointed at tomatoes before the outbreak began,” said Roberts, emphasizing that “rapid traceback is important, but you must trace back the right vehicle.”

FFVA Director of Membership and Marketing Mike Aerts was among those who warned producers about changes the EPA has proposed to mitigate bystander and occupational exposure during fumigation and off-gassing. “The proposed risk controls are disproportionate to the actual risk,” he said, adding that new buffer zones would be a “logistical nightmare.”

Brown, Ted Campbell of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and UF/IFAS researcher Dr. Joe Noling provided additional proof that buffer zones are not practical in the Florida strawberry industry and could put growers out of business.

Brown noted that EPA will still accept meaningful comments from users, although the formal submission deadline has passed. Click here for information and documents.

Methyl bromide alternatives, new varieties of several commodities and updates on pests and diseases also were presented during the event.

In addition, participants learned about field trials being conducted at the facility and got a close-up look at new equipment, products and services offered by industry vendors.